Old Crow Medicine Show Celebrates Gold

(L-R): Morgan Jahnig (OCMS), Norm Parenteau (OCMS Manager), Ketch Secor (OCMS), Mark Jowett (Nettwerk VP International A&R/Publishing), Kevin Hayes (OCMS), Terry McBride (Nettwerk CEO); Photo: Crystal Jahnig

Nettwerk Records and Nashville’s Old Crow Medicine Show recently celebrated Gold certification of the group’s breakout single “Wagon Wheel,” for sales surpassing 500,000 units. Nettwerk executives Terry McBride (CEO) and Mark Jowett (VP International A&R/Publishing) recently presented the band with Gold plaques while they were visiting Nashville.

“Wagon Wheel” was originally sketched by Bob Dylan and later completed by OCMS member Ketch Secor. It has now sold over 715k units and become a live bar band standard. The song has a fascinating history that reaches even further back than Dylan.

“‘Wagon Wheel’ is a gold record 75 years in the making,” said Secor. “Back in 1995, I first heard Bob Dylan sing that striking chorus on his unfinished 1972 studio outtake of ‘Rock Me Mama.’ Being an audacious, banjo-picking teenager, I quickly rattled off three verses and rushed it out to coffeehouses and street corners, singing it to anyone who would listen. In 2003, seeking a copyright to the song, I learned that Dylan had credited it to Memphis songster Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup, who recorded the 1950s boogie-woogie number ‘Rock Me Mama.’ From there, I learned that Crudup attributed the song to Mississippi-turned-Chicagoan Big Bill Broonzy, who recorded it way back in the late 1920s. So, from Big Bill to Big Boy to Bob and on down to me, ‘Wagon Wheel’ has become a true American folk song, borrowed, half-stolen, and sung out far and wide. The rest, as they say, is history.”

ASCAP Licenses Rhapsody; Presents Combustion Writers in Chicago

News from ASCAP this morning includes a new licensing agreement with Rhapsody, and a concert in Chicago by Combustion Music writers.

ASCAP recently teamed with Black Label Entertainment to present the Circle Sessions at Joe’s Bar in Chicago featuring the writers of Combustion Music. Black Label is bringing the songwriters-in-the-round concept to the Windy City and celebrating the writers behind the hits. Playing to a standing room only crowd were Combustion tunesmiths Brett James, Ashley Gorley, Chris Farren and Matt Jenkins. 

Pictured (L-R): Kenley Flynn (Combustion), Kelsey Maynard (Joe's Bar), Ryan Allen (Black Label Ent.), Mike Abramson (Black Label Ent.), Chris "the Falcon" Van Belkom (Combustion), Ashley Gorley, Matt Jenkins, Chris Farren, Brett James, and LeAnn Phelan (ASCAP).

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ASCAP and Rhapsody have reached a new agreement for the Rhapsody subscription streaming music service that covers licensing for 2012 and 2013. The license allows Rhapsody to publicly perform the works of more than 430,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members of ASCAP.

Although Rhapsody has been licensed since its inception, the new agreement is ASCAP and Rhapsody’s first independent agreement since Rhapsody’s separation from long-time parent company, RealNetworks, in April 2010.

Rhapsody was the first subscription music service, launched in December 2001. Today, it is the largest premium subscription music service in the United States, with more than 1 million paying subscribers and more than 14 million tracks.

In recent months, ASCAP also concluded agreements with other digital streaming services including Netflix and Hulu.

Industry Ink (4/26/12)

Ronnie Milsap, Jamey Johnson, and Third Day have joined the expanding lineup for BamaJam 2012, set for June 14-16 in Enterprise Alabama. Previously announced performers include Kid Rock, Tim McGraw, Zac Brown Band, Alan Jackson, Eric Church, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, NEEDTOBREATHE, Casey James, Gov’t Mule, Uncle Kracker, Yelawolf and more. Tickets are available here.

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Jason Charles Miller

Jason Charles Miller has signed a recording agreement with Nashville-based Render Records, it was announced recently by Render co-founder Steve Freeman. Miller was previously leader of the rock band Godhead, which was signed to Marilyn Manson’s Posthuman Records and sold over 200k albums. A Virginia native, Miller has been spending recent years rekindling his love of country music. His first single “Up To Me” ships to country radio May 1.

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Matthew Gordon’s The Dynamiter and David Fine’s Salaam Dunk earned the top prizes at the 2012 Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) presented by Nissan. The Dynamiter, which took the Bridgestone Narrative Competition Grand Jury Prize, is the tale of a young boy without his mother and looking at a future of social services. Salaam Dunk is a profile of the triumphs and challenges experienced by the American University of Iraq’s women’s basketball team and captured the Documentary Competition Grand Jury Prize. Best actor honors went to William Ruffin, for his performance in The Dynamiter. A full list of festival winners is here.

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Rick Rekedal

Franklin-based Seabourne Pictures has announced that DreamWorks Animation executive Rick Rekedal has joined the company’s board of advisors. Rekedal’s efforts at DreamWorks has helped launch franchises like Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and more. Recently, Seabourne premiered its 2012 feature After (directed by Ryan Smith) at the 2012 NaFF.

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Singer/songwriter Jessica Campbell has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with Franklin-based The MWS Group. Campbell’s album Great Escape appeared in 2011 and she has placed songs on ABC’s Ugly Betty, CBC’s Heartland, and the CW’s Hart of Dixie. The MWS roster also includes Kyle Lee and Michael W. Smith.

(L-R): MWS Group’s Trevor Mathiesen, MWS Group Partner Greg Ham, Campbell, and Michael W. Smith

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The Hummingbirds of Avenue Bank

The winner of the Arts & Business Council’s 2012 Music City Corporate Band Challenge, which was held Monday (4/23) at the Wildhorse Saloon, was The Hummingirds from Avenue Bank. In second place was Totally Booked from Hutton Hotel, and third place went to Three Day Weekend from First Tennessee. The top three teams received cash prizes to donate to the arts organization of their choice. Judges for the competition included Kitty Moon Emery (Kitty Moon Enterprises), Tony Conway (of Conway Entertainment Group), and Gary Kraen (PD/Operations at Lightning 100). More info here.

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Bluegrass music documentary The Porchlight Sessions has four days left in its Kickstarter  campaign to raise $60,000. Currently the campaign has over $52k raised. Learn about the project here.

Laurissa Ryan To Exit CMT

Laurissa Ryan is exiting her post at CMT after 13 years with the network. She currently serves as Sr. Director of Talent and has decided to leave the company to pursue new opportunities.

“I’m grateful for the incredible experiences and lifelong friendships these 13 years at CMT have afforded me,” said Ryan. “As difficult as this decision was, I am excited to see what the future holds.”

“We’re very sad to see Laurissa go,” said John Hamlin, SVP, Music Events and Talent, CMT. “We’re extremely proud of the work she’s done here and the relationships she’s been able to build on behalf of the network. We owe much of our talent department’s success to Laurissa and wish her nothing but the best in her new endeavors.”

Ryan will remain at the network through the end of this week. She can be reached at laurissa.ryan@gmail.com, or (615) 477-8752.

MusicRowPics: Jon Pardi Artist Visit

Yesterday (4/24) Capitol Records Nashville artist Jon Pardi stopped by MusicRow headquarters to visit with the staff and play a few songs, including his single “Missin’ You Crazy.” The song is currently climbing MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart, landing at No. 55 this week.

Pardi also played “Write You A Song” and “Chasin’ Them Better Days.” Both songs will be available on his upcoming EP, which he co-produced with Bart Butler.

His full length debut album is expected to be released later this fall.

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“Tuskegee” Stays At No. 1

Lionel Richie’s Tuskegee is hanging tight at No. 1 on the all-genre chart for the second consecutive week. The country duets project moved 114,110 units this week, with RTD sales totaling 536,967, making it the best-selling country album of 2012 just three weeks after release. The project, released via Mercury Nashville, saw a week-to-week sales slip of 11 percent.

Richie and Ray Charles are the only artists in history to have No. 1 albums on both the Billboard Country Albums and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.

peermusic Adds Shaun Ames to Roster

Pictured (L-R): Attorney Scott Safford, peermusic Creative Manager Kim Wiggins, peermusic Sr. Creative Director Michael Knox, Shaun Ames and peermusic’s Kevin Lamb

peermusic has announced the signing of  Shaun Ames, founding member of the Sony/RCA recording group, Bush Hawg, to its writer roster.

Ames established the band more than 10 years ago with Alex Wilshire, and the group is currently working with producer and peermusic creative director Michael Knox, .

“Shaun and I have been working together for the past six years, I’m very excited to be working with him now as part of the peermusic family,” says Knox.

peermusic is the world’s largest global independent publishing company, operating 35 offices in 28 countries.

Montgomery Gentry Teams Up with Tim Gunn

ABC’s The Revolution made a visit to Nashville in early April to tape an upcoming episode featuring the sights and sounds of Music City. During their visit, country music duo Montgomery Gentry played host to TV’s fashion expert Tim Gunn, taking him to some of Nashville’s hottest clothing stores.

Troy Gentry introduced Gunn to Aimee Johns at Flavour for Men (1522 Demonbreun Street, Nashville), who guided him through the latest styles of Music Row. Flavour Clothing for Men & Women carries a large number of lines from New York to Los Angeles including Hudson, AG Jeans, Theory, John Varvatos, L.A.M.B., Hale Bob, Joes Jeans and 7 for all Mankind, to name a few. Flavour is often frequented by Gentry, as well as many other country stars including such notables as Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, and Kellie Pickler among others, and additionally offers private shopping opportunities by request.

After visiting Flavour, Eddie Montgomery introduced Gunn to Morelia Ceuvas, daughter of costumer and artist, Manuel. Often referred to as the “Rhinestone Rembrandt,” Manuel (whose showroom is located at 1922 Broadway in Nashville), is known for making Johnny Cash the “man in black,” Elvis’ signature gold lamé suit, the garments Bob Dylan wore when performing for the Pope, and outfitting countless other stars including members of The Rat Pack, Roy Rogers and the Lone Ranger. His work within the entertainment industry is world-renowned and has received special recognition by the Country Music Association. The shop, Manuel American Designs, also known as Manuel Exclusive Clothier or simply Manuel’s, is a staple not only of Nashville but of Americana history.

The episode will air this Thursday (4/26) on ABC.

Jana Kramer Makes Opry Debut, Plans Album Release

Pictured (L-R): John Esposito (President & CEO - WMN), Steve Buchanan (President – Grand Ole Opry Group), Kramer, Greg Hill (Manager - McGhee), Kathryn Woodard (Manager - McGhee Entertainment), Pete Fisher (VP/GM – Grand Ole Opry)

MusicRow Feb/Mar cover girl, Jana Kramer made her Grand Ole Opry debut April 13, performing “I Hope It Rains,” and her first single “Why Ya Wanna,” which is currently climbing all the charts.

Both tracks will appear on Kramer’s upcoming self-titled album, due out June 5 via Elektra Nashville. The 11-track collection, produced by Scott Hendricks, is already available for pre-order through Kramer’s web store and includes a meet and greet pass to her album release party during CMA Music Fest. An exclusive bonus track will be featured on her digital release.

Kramer, is most famously known for her role of Alex Dupre on the CW’s One Tree Hill.

Track Listing:
1.  Good Time Coming On
2.  I Hope It Rains
3.  Why Ya Wanna
4.  Goodbye California
5.  Whiskey
6.  Over You By Now
7.  One Of The Boys
8.  What I Love About Your Love
9.  When You’re Lonely
10. King Of Apology
11. Good As You Were Bad
12. I Won’t Give Up (Exclusive Digital Bonus Track)

St. Jude Country Music Marathon Runs Through Nashville on Saturday

The St. Jude Country Music Marathon and 1/2 Marathon presented by Nissan takes place on Saturday, April 28 and continues the tradition of adding some country flavor to the city’s largest running event.

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean will join race officials and running enthusiasts to officially kick off the weekend events on Thursday (4/26) with a gathering at Union Station Hotel. The Competitor Group’s free Health and Fitness Expo 4/26-27 at the Nashville Convention Center. Participants will pick up race materials there, and the public can browse the expo for gear, nutrition, and information on running and fitness.

Rodney Atkins will headline the post-race concert at Bridgestone Arena, with special guests Gloriana and Darren Warren. Runners can use their race numbers as concert admission, and tickets are also on sale to the general public for $35. The show begins at 7 pm.

Over 30,000 runners and walkers are expected to participate in the race, which starts at 7 am from Centennial Park. New this year, the course offerings also include a 2.6 mile mini-marathon. Many streets in mid and downtown Nashville will be blocked in the morning hours, so check the Competitor website for closure information.