New Wanda Jackson Album Produced by Justin Townes Earle

Wanda Jackson’s career revival continues with an upcoming project produced by Justin Townes Earle. Coming Oct. 9 via Sugar Hill Records, Unfinished Business will be the rockabilly queen’s 31st studio album.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone Jackson said, “From day one I really liked Justin’s idea to take me back to my roots and make a record of country, blues, and rockabilly songs.”

The project, which marks Earle’s debut as a producer, includes a duet with him on “Am I Even A Memory,” penned by Greg Garing. Recorded in Nashville at House of David Studios in early 2012, the 10-song album features renditions of “California Stars” (written by Woody Guthrie, Jay Bennett, Jeff Tweedy), “Pushover” (Billy Davis, Tony Clarke), and “It’s All Over Now” (Bobby Womack, Shirley Jean Womack).

Jackson is set for a concert July 28 at the Franklin Theatre.

After performing to sold-out audiences across the country last year, including a 10-city tour supporting Adele, Jackson will embark on a series of performances this fall including an album release show at New York’s Highline Ballroom on Oct. 12.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee will turn 75 on Oct. 20, following the release of the new album.

Her previous album, The Party Ain’t Over, was produced by Jack White.

Unfinished Business:

“I’m Tore Down”
“The Graveyard Shift”
“Am I Even a Memory” (feat. Justin Townes Earle)
“Pushover”
“It’s All Over Now”
“Two Hands”
“Old Weakness”
“What Do You Do When You’re Lonesome”
“Down Past the Bottom”
“California Stars”

Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award Honorees Revealed

(L-R): Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Randy Owen

Three music icons and humanitarians will be honored as recipients of the 2012 Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award. Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, and Randy Owen will be saluted at the annual cocktail reception and musical tribute taking place Wednesday, October 17 at War Memorial Auditorium.

“Individually and collectively Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill and Randy Owen are iconic leaders in the industry who have left an indelible mark on popular music over the past four decades,” noted Leadership Music board president Jeff Gregg. “But it is their heart for service and giving back that has been the hallmark of their careers. Through their work with numerous charities, they have made a difference in the lives of countless people. To say that Leadership Music and its alumni are proud and delighted to honor these artists with who, through their gift of service, have brought such distinction to themselves and their music is a vast understatement.”

The Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, named for the organization’s first executive director, was created in 2004 to honor an exemplary music leader. Previous honorees include Tony Brown (2004), The Bradley Family: Owen (posthumously), Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008), Garth Brooks, Jim Foglesong and Allen Reynolds (2009), Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson (2010), and CMA (2011).

Tickets for this year’s event will go on sale in August.

MusicRowPics: Tiffany Houghton

Tiffany Houghton paid MusicRow headquarters a visit yesterday (7/11). The eighteen-year-old, Dallas, TX native is no stranger to performing, previously being cast as an alternate for the lead role of Annie on Broadway and landing the role of Nora on As The World Turns. However, since Houghton’s passion lies in music, she moved to Nashville earlier this year after graduating high school to pursue it.

Houghton released her self-titled EP in June, and wrote or co-wrote each of its six songs. During her visit to MusicRow she shared two cuts off the EP, including “Only One” and “Like He Treats Her.” She also played a new song she recently wrote called “The Man That Lost Me.” When asked if the songs were written with anyone in mind, Houghton quickly replied, “Yes, they’re all about someone. I wouldn’t want to waste a song!”

Houghton’s self-titled EP is currently available for download on iTunes. For more information, visit www.tiffanyhoughton.com.

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The Scorchers’ Perry Baggs Passes

Pictured (L-R): Warner Hodges, Perry Baggs, Jason Ringenberg, Jeff Johnson

Perry Baggs, the longtime drummer for Nashville cowpunk crusaders Jason and the Scorchers, has died. He was 50 years old and had been in failing health in recent years, spurred by a lengthy battle with diabetes.

Baggs was born in Nashville on March 22, 1962.

Jason and the Scorchers is credited with shining a national spotlight on Music City’s non-country scene. Led by Jason Ringenberg, the band formed in 1981, fusing classic country with punk flavor. The group was signed to Praxis International, headed by Kay Clary, Jack Emerson and Andy McLenon.

“As the drummer for the original Jason & The Scorchers quartet, Perry Baggs’ role in creating their intense chemistry may have been less obvious than that of the other members but was no less vital,” explains Clary. “Along with his ability to whiplash between sincere loping country and punk-frenzied beats, he also wrote two of the band’s catchiest songs ‘If Money Talks’ and ‘White Lies.’ He was the kind of person for whom the phrases ‘wouldn’t hurt a flea’ and ‘never met a stranger’ were invented to describe. Nashville won’t be the same without his sweet presence.”

Over the years the band’s activity has waxed and waned. Baggs left the group in 2003. Ringenberg went on to become the popular kids entertainer Farmer Jason.

In 2007 The Scorchers played a pair of reunion shows at Exit/In to benefit Baggs.

In 2008 the Americana Music Association honored the band with its Lifetime Achievement Award. The reunited group released the 2010 effort Halcyon Times. Baggs contributed harmony vocals to the project.

Composer Richard Sherman to Speak at Belmont

Richard M. Sherman

Legendary composer and lyricist Richard M. Sherman will speak during a free public event hosted by the Tennessee Arts Academy. The talk will begin at 1:10 pm today (7/12) at Belmont University’s Massey Performing Arts Center.

Sherman, in association with his brother Robert B. Sherman, has become best-known for compositions from Mary Poppins (“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”), The Jungle Book (“I Wan’na Be Like You”), the theme songs for Winnie the Pooh and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and more. Additionally, Sherman developed the Disney theme park songs “It’s a Small World (After All)” and “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room” among others.

For additional information on the event, visit www.tennesseeartsacademy.org.

Teen Choice Award Country Nominees

The Teen Choice 2012 awards will air live Sun., July 22 on FOX. Among the country stars scoring nominations in all-genre categories are Blake Shelton (Choice Male Artist), Lady Antebellum (Choice Group), Eli Young Band (Choice Music: Breakout Group) and Taylor Swift (Choice Female Artist and Choice Single by a Female Artist).

Glee‘s Kevin McHale is set to co-host alongside Demi Lovato. Fans ages 13-19 can vote once each day per category for their favorite nominees at www.teenchoiceawards.com.

Choice Male Country Artist
Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Hunter Hayes, Scotty McCreery, Blake Shelton

Choice Female Country Artist
Lauren Alaina, Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift, 
Carrie Underwood

Choice Country Song
“Tattoos on This Town,” Jason Aldean
“Crazy Girl,” Eli Young Band
“Storm Warning,” Hunter Hayes
“God Gave Me You,” Blake Shelton
“Sparks Fly,” Taylor Swift

Choice Country Group
The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Thompson Square

Choice Male Artist
Justin Bieber, Drake,
 Bruno Mars, Pitbull, Blake Shelton

Choice Female Artist
Adele, 
Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Taylor Swift

Choice Music Group
Selena Gomez & The Scene, Gym Class Heroes,
 Lady Antebellum, 
LMFAO, The Wanted

Choice Single by a Female Artist
“Set Fire to the Rain,” Adele
“Stronger,” Kelly Clarkson
“Dance Again,” Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull
“Part of Me,” Katy Perry
“Eyes Open,” Taylor Swift

Choice Single by a Male Artist
“Boyfriend,” Justin Bieber
“Take Care,” Drake featuring Rihanna
“Good Feeling,” Flo Rida
“It Will Rain,” Bruno Mars
“Give Me Everything (Tonight),” Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, AfroJack & Nayer

Choice Music: Breakout Group
Eli Young Band, fun., Karmin, One Direction, The Wanted

Choice Break-Up Song
“Climax,” Usher
“Payphone,” Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa
“Somebody That I Used to Know,” Gotye featuring Kimbra
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” Kelly Clarkson
“Wide Awake,” Katy Perry

“Nashville” to Hold Open Casting Call

ABC is looking to cast extras for its new series, Nashville, scheduled to premiere this fall.

An open casting call will be held this Saturday (7/14) from 10 am – 2 pm at Franklin Industries (612 10th Ave N., Nashville, Tennessee 37203).

The positions are paid and are open to men and women of all ages and ethnicities. While no previous acting experience is required, participants are asked to bring a recent 4″ x 6″ headshot (taken within the last 7 days).

Nashville stars Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere. Rayna James (Britton) is a country legend who’s had a career any singer would envy, though lately her popularity is starting to wane. Fans still line up to get her autograph, but she’s not packing the arenas like she used to. Rayna’s record label thinks a concert tour, opening for up-and-comer Juliette Barnes (Panettiere), the young and sexy future of country music, is just what Rayna needs. But scheming Juliette can’t wait to steal Rayna’s spotlight. Sharing a stage is the last thing Rayna wants to do, which sets up a power struggle for popularity.

The series begins shooting at the end of July.

Marlee Scott at NASCAR’s The Glen Race Weekend

The latest installment of her “Make It or Bake It” webisode cooking series is a Watkins Glen-inspired racing drink called “Zoom-By-Ya.” View it by clicking the photo above.

Marlee Scott will make multiple appearances at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at The Glen race weekend, which runs Aug. 9-12 in Watkins Glen, New York.

Scott will help kick off the weekend festivities with a concert on Friday night, Aug. 10, at the Red Cat Summer Stage. Then she will make a private VIP appearance on Saturday and on Sunday she is slated to perform the U.S. and Canadian national anthems live on ESPN immediately prior to the race. This year’s Watkins Glen International NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is expected to attract approximately 5 million viewers on ESPN.

Scott has performed at numerous high-profile sporting events over the past year, including the 2011 ACC Football Championship game, the Unbridled Eve Gala at the 138th Kentucky Derby weekend, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and several Major League Baseball and National Hockey League games.

Marlee Scott released her U.S. debut album, Beautiful Maybe, on June 19. She has released two singles and music videos from the project to date: 2011’s “Beautiful Maybe” and 2012’s “Train Wreck.”

For more details visit www.TheGlen.com and www.MarleeScott.com.

Hosts Announced For 23rd IBMA Awards

Laurie Lewis and Del McCoury

Award-winning fiddler Laurie Lewis and Bluegrass Hall of Famer Del McCoury have been announced as hosts for the 23rd Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, scheduled for 7:30 pm Sept. 27 at the Ryman Auditorium.

The IBMA Awards take place during the IBMA’s World of Bluegrass Business Conference and Fan Fest week, which runs September 24-30 in Nashville. Nominated talent, voted by members of the IBMA, will be announced next month (8/15) at a special press conference at The Loveless Barn.

“This will be a very significant and poignant event, as the bluegrass community comes together to recognize and honor its own, and to pay tribute to some of the pioneers we’ve lost this year, including the great Earl Scruggs,” said Lewis.

The IBMA Awards Show will be broadcast live on Sirius XM Satellite Radio and syndicated to more than 300 U.S. markets and 14 foreign networks. Program directors and station managers are able to sign up as affiliates here. For more information, including tickets, visit www.ibma.org.

As previously announced, the series of IBMA events will move to Raleigh, NC for three years, from 2013-2015.

Industry Ink (7/12/12)

 

(L-R): Josh Elliott, Josh Turner and Robin Roberts on the set of Good Morning America. Photo: Courtesy ABC News / Fred Lee

Josh Turner Enjoys a Dozen… Million
Josh Turner performed his current hit single “Time Is Love” on ABC’s Good Morning America yesterday (7/11), to help promote his fifth studio album Punching Bag. During his visit, GMA co-hosts Robin Roberts and Josh Elliott surprised Josh by presenting him with a plaque to commemorate over 12 million units sold for MCA Nashville. See the presentation here. Turner also has upcoming appearances on ABC’s The Chew and CBS’ Late Show With David Letterman on August 23.

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BuzzMedia Goes For A Spin
Digital media company BuzzMedia has acquired Spin Media, which includes Spin Magazine and its related properties such as the Spin Play app, Spin.com and more. Buzzmedia now owns popular music websites Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, Idolator as well as the official websites for the Kardashian sisters and Britney Spears. Hypebot reports that BuzzMedia is now the fourth largest digital content publisher in the U.S.

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KCA Inks Crowell
KCA Artists has announced the addition of Rodney Crowell to its roster for exclusive booking representation. Crowell is currently touring to support his project KIN (Vanguard Records), a musical collaboration with Mary Karr, Norah Jones, Lee Ann Womack, Rosanne Cash, Vince Gill, Lucinda Williams, Kris Kristofferson, and Emmylou Harris. See upcoming dates here.

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Strange Arrange Remixes On the Fly
On Saturday (7/14), Limelight Nashville will host Strange Arrange, a live Hip-Hop and R&B arrangement competition. Hosted by Courtney “Coko Korinne” Eason and Nashville radio personality Joe Major, the event will pit five bands against one another to perform big radio hits with new, inventive arrangements.

Bands competing include 7.0 of Charlotte, NC; Traq Planet of Jacksonville, FL; 911 Reporters of Huntsville, AL; Nerdy Tunes of Miami, FL; and Second Nature of Chicago, IL. Judging the competition are bassist Adam Blackstone, bassist Ethan Farmer, drummer Gerald Heyward, and Grammy nominated artist Musiq Soulchild. The winner will receive $10,000 cash, a magazine feature, and recording session/video shoot with Musiq Soulchild. The competition begins at 7 pm. More info here.