Industry Ink (9-16-13)

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Mallary Hope


Mallary Hope has signed with APA Nashville for booking. Hope is a Sony/ATV writer who has penned songs like “Georgia Peaches” for Lauren Alaina and “King Of Apology” for Jana Kramer. She has also had cuts by Faith Hill and Danny Gokey, and has a duet with Darius Rucker, “I Will Love You Still,” on Rucker’s current True Believers CD.

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Curtis Grimes

Curtis Grimes

Singer-songwriter Curtis Grimes, who appeared on Season One of NBC’s The Voice, has signed endorsement deals with Justin Boot Company, Cinch and Southern Thread clothing companies.

“Growing up in the country I have always worn Justin Boots and both Cinch and Southern Thread Clothing. From performing on stage to running daily errands, these brands are not only comfortable but they fit my style,” said Grimes. “I am extremely excited about the partnership with Justin, Cinch and Southern Thread, and I look forward to working closely with them!”

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MCR Co-Executive Producer Todd Mayo, MCR Senior Producer Craig Havighurst, MCR Associate Producer Laurie Gregory, MCR Co-Executive Producer John Walker and Nashville Public Television's Justin Harvey are all smiles at the Loveless Barn in celebration of NPT's broadcast.

MCR Co-Executive Producer Todd Mayo, MCR Senior Producer Craig Havighurst, MCR Associate Producer Laurie Gregory, MCR Co-Executive Producer John Walker and Nashville Public Television’s Justin Harvey are all smiles at the Loveless Barn in celebration of NPT’s broadcast.


A group of sponsors, fans, and artists got together last week at the Loveless Barn in Nashville for a viewing party to watch the kickoff episode of the inaugural series Music City Roots: Live From The Loveless Café before its airing on Sept. 13 on Nashville Public Television. The episode featured performances from 18 South, Shawn Camp, Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, and Mike Farris. The show is in nationwide syndication and in its fourth year of production.

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(l. to r.) David Ross, Brody Harper, Jared Scheel, Jamin Guy, Dez Dickerson, Stokes Nielson

Pictured (L-R): David Ross, Brody Harper, Jared Scheel, Jamin Guy, Dez Dickerson, Stokes Nielson


The Leadership Music Summit wrapped up last week and over 300 attendees were educated on industry issues by dozens of industry leaders and innovators. The keynote was given by StageIt Founder and CEO, Evan Lowenstein, and tied together the theme of the Summit, “Digital Solutions Powered by the Entrepreneurial Spirit.” A new addition at this year’s Summit was the Dream Project contest where finalists presented their big ideas to a judging panel and Summit attendees voted for their favorites via Twitter. Leigh Fogle from CUREative Content was awarded top honors, coverage in Music Row and $1000 prize money. CUREative Content curates and aggregates art, music and education applications for healthcare facilities, and delivers this content to their clients/patients through hospital-provided tablets, flat screens, and patients’ mobile devices.
(l. to r.) Lance Kelly, Dave Haywood, David Macias, Julie Boos, Dawn Gates

Pictured (L-R): Lance Kelly, Dave Haywood, David Macias, Julie Boos, Dawn Gates

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solid new member partyMusic industry organization SOLID (Society of Leaders In Development) will host its new member party on Tuesday (Sept. 17) at Mason Bar (inside Lowes Vanderbilt Hotel) from 6:30p.m.-8:30 p.m. Applications for SOLID membership are now live on the organization’s website. Applications are due Oct. 1.

The Recording Academy Extends Portnow's Contract Through 2019

Neil Portnow

The Recording Academy CEO/President Neil Portnow


The Board of Trustees of The Recording Academy has extended President/CEO Neil Portnow‘s contract through 2019. During semiannual meeting in May, the Board voted unanimously to keep Portnow at the helm of the nonprofit music membership organization. Portnow, had two years remaining on his existing contract, and is now in his second decade at the helm of The Recording Academy. He became President of The Academy in December 2002 and was promoted to President/CEO in September 2007.
In addition to his role as President/CEO of The Recording Academy, Portnow is President/CEO of MusiCares and the GRAMMY Foundation, Chair of the Board of the GRAMMY Museum, and a member of the Board of Trustees of The Latin Recording Academy.
“Neil is a dynamic leader whose collaborative, inclusive spirit and extensive experience and relationships across all aspects of music and entertainment have delivered dramatic financial, cultural and philanthropic benefits to The Recording Academy and its constituents,” said Christine Albert, Chair of the Board. “As a musician, a member, a longtime elected leader, and industry executive, he is uniquely qualified to understand and address the ongoing needs of our music community especially in today’s constantly evolving industry. Neil selflessly continues to advance The Academy’s profile and mission in everything he does, and he continues to innovate and expand the scope of events, programs and services we offer. His creativity, compassion, humility, and vision have served the organization well, and I, along with my fellow officers and our Board, look forward to our continued collaboration with him as he proceeds to reap even greater rewards on behalf of the organization we all love so much.”
“I am humbled and honored to continue to have our Board’s trust and confidence in steering The Recording Academy’s future,” said Portnow. “Together with our elected leaders from around the country and our tireless staff, we have reached new heights of growth and success, both domestically and internationally. We will continue to strive for even greater levels of excellence and achievement, for the organization and on behalf of our creative community, and I look forward to continuing my second decade of service to this exceptional organization.”

Hit Writers Perform To Raise Funds For WaterHope

(l-r): Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark, Jimmy Robbins and Josh Osborne

Pictured (L-R): Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark, Jimmy Robbins and Josh Osborne.


ASCAP writers Brandy Clark, Matt Jenkins, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Matt Ramsey, Jimmy Robbins, and Trevor Rosen held an in-the-round last Friday night at the Listening Room to help raise funds for WaterHope, a nonprofit created to raise money for communities around the globe who don’t have access to clean drinking water.
The charity began when founders Steve and Tracy Tomkovicz were approached by a visiting missionary for help in building a water well in Uganda. WaterHope began as a single annual fundraising event in the Napa Valley called Wine to Water. As the event gained momentum it was able to raise enough funds to meet the water needs of the Ugandan mission. WaterHope has a presence in eight countries on two continents and events are supported by donors and sponsors, and executed by a 100 percent volunteer staff. To find out more about WaterHope, visit waterhope.org.
(l-r): Josh Osborne, Jimmy Robbins, Trevor Rosen, WaterHope's Tracy and Steve Tomkovicz, Brandy Clark, Matt Ramsey, Shane McAnally and Matt Jenkins. Photo by ASCAP's Alison Toczylowski

Pictured (L-R): Josh Osborne, Jimmy Robbins, Trevor Rosen, WaterHope’s Tracy and Steve Tomkovicz, Brandy Clark, Matt Ramsey, Shane McAnally and Matt Jenkins. Photo by ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski

Universal Music Group Nashville Adds Katie McCartney

Katie McCartney

Katie McCartney


Universal Music Group Nashville has added Katie McCartney to the Marketing department as Director, Marketing & Artist Development. McCartney will manage marketing and branding efforts for artists including Gary Allan, Easton Corbin, Vince Gill, Kip Moore and Jennifer Nettles.
“I’m so excited to have Katie on the Universal Marketing team. She brings experience doing many different facets of marketing from creative, sales and day-to-day marketing,” explains Cindy Mabe, SVP, Marketing. “She has a collaborative spirit and also brings ideas and vision for our artists. She will help us break and grow artists through artist development and I am really proud to have her on the team.”
McCartney, a Kansas native and MTSU graduate, joins UMG Nashville with expansive record label experience. She began her career in promotion and marketing positions at Lyric Street Records, followed by time with Sony Music Nashville as Manager of Marketing and Artist Development. Most recently, McCartney served as the Director of Marketing, Sales, Creative and New Media at Black River Records.
McCartney can be reached at Katie.McCartney@umusic.com.

CRS Announces 2013 “CRS Battle of the Bands” Lineup

crs battle of the band 2013For the second year in a row, representatives from labels and other music affiliated companies have assembled bands to compete in the “CRS Battle of the Bands” contest, which will be held Sept. 26, 2013 at 3rd & Lindsley. This year’s bands are comprised of employees from Hard Rock Café, Renaissance Hotel, Sony Music Nashville, SunTrust Sports & Entertainment and Warner Music Group.
Warner Music Group and Sony Music Nashville will return for the second year to battle it out. Bands representing Renaissance Hotel, SunTrust Sports & Entertainment and Hard Rock Café will be making their debut appearances.
“Last year’s event was such a success and we can not wait to relive the fun once again,” said CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne. “To add a little twist to the event, we expanded the lineup to include participants from other companies within the industry and not just labels.”
Proceeds from the event will go toward the CRS scholarship fund and the Country Radio Hall of Fame. The “CRS Battle of the Bands” is a private, industry-only event. Last year’s “Battle of the Bands” was sold out and raised enough funds to enable the organization to create a new endowment, which will be announced soon. Band names and musicians will also be announced in the coming days.
There are a limited number of tables still available. Please contact the CRS office at 327-4487 or email michelle@countryradioseminar.com or bradford@countryradioseminar.com for more information.

Skates On The Case: Shelton's Ten Times Crazier Tour

blake shelton tourAlmost a year since Blake Shelton received CMA Entertainer of the Year honors at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, he returned to the stage to fulfill another dream. During Saturday night’s (Sept. 14) concert he briefly put his funny man antics aside and shared honestly, “I’ve been hanging around this town since 1994 dreaming of the day I could headline this place. I will never forget this night.”
Shelton’s calling card is his unfiltered brand of humor, and it kept the night rollicking along. But his musical talent shined brightest when he stripped off the armor for a short solo acoustic set of songwriting treasures including “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” and “Over You.”
The Ten Times Crazier Tour is a journey through his decade-plus of hits which plays out in front of first-rate video production and a silo backdrop reminiscent of his home state Oklahoma. The set list boasted fan favorites “The More I Drink,” “She Wouldn’t Be Gone,” “All About Tonight,” “Honey Bee,” “Drink On It,” “Boys ‘Round Here,” current single “Mine Would Be You,” and too many more to mention.
For longtime fans that packed the arena, he offered early career milestones “Ol’ Red” and “Austin.” On older hit “Some Beach” he saluted his long gone, long-hair days by donning a white cowboy hat with a fake mullet attached to the back.
The audience howled with laughter as he recalled the first meeting in Los Angeles about joining a new TV show which would become the mega-popular singing competition The Voice. Then he launched into “Forget You,” the smash hit by fellow Voice coach CeeLo Green. On backing vocals throughout the night was country singer and former Voice contestant Gwen Sebastian. 
Given his reputation for colorful tweets, Shelton said his team warned him not to post anything that might offend members of the local music industry while in town for his concert. “If you don’t like my tweets, you can kiss my country ass,” he laughed. Shelton’s sometimes abrasive, often alcohol fueled schtick works because it rings authentic. Leading in to “Hillbilly Bone” he quipped, “I’m worse than a redneck, I’m a drunk redneck.” Fellow hillbilly Trace Adkins made a surprise appearance to perform the duet.
The entire evening reiterated what everyone reading this article already knows: songs are the bedrock of a career. The success of Shelton, as well as opening acts Easton Corbin and Jana Kramer, are proof of the importance of selecting quality material.
Kramer is a spitfire songstress who belted out well-written hits “Whiskey” and “Why Ya Wanna” with infectious enthusiasm. Her background as an actress makes her performance seem all the more real.
Corbin conjured up plenty of audience interaction during his energetic set. The rising star offered his growing list of radio hits: “Lovin’ You Is Fun,” “A Little More Country Than That,” “Roll With It” and “All Over The Road.” From his current album, Corbin sang the gems “Are You With Me” and “That’s Gonna Leave A Memory.”
His clean-cut, collared shirt look and traditional sound draws obvious comparisons to UMG Nashville labelmate George Strait but the covers he performed were from the song books of country icons Alan Jackson (“Where I Come From”), Brooks & Dunn (“Brand New Man”) and Alabama (“If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)”). The set list was a perfectly tailored mix of fan favorites, new material and covers.
UMG Nashville hosted a lively soiree at The Palm prior to Corbin’s performance. Spotted in the private room were Sarah Trahern, Sherod Robertson and Steve Buchanan, mingling among label honchos Mike Dungan, Cindy Mabe and Lori Christian.
The night capped with a Warner Music Nashville post-party celebrating Shelton. Built inside the arena’s backstage, a huge white tent created a makeshift Shelton CMA campaign headquarters. Red, white and blue confetti scattered the floor and a stilt-walking Uncle Sam entertained revelers. Partygoers noshed on scrumptious food with clever names like Boys ‘Round Here Steak Sliders. Industry folk on the scene included WMN head John Esposito, Kent Earls, Reba, Narvel Blackstock, Jeff Walker and Henry Glascock, all milling elbow to elbow including Nashville stars Chip Esten, Sam Palladio, and Chris Carmack.

Legendary “Tennessee Waltz” Makes News Again

tennessee waltz11U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander donated the priceless original manuscript of “The Tennessee Waltz” to the University of Tennessee during ceremonies on Friday, Sept. 13. The donation occurred during the dedication of the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center at U.T. “The Tennessee Waltz” is one of the state’s official state songs. It has sold more than 10 million records, been recorded by an estimated 500 artists, was the last song to sell a million copies of sheet music and is said to be the most popular composition in the history of country music.
“I made the presentation a surprise to the Haslam family,” said Alexander. “They invited me to come to the dedication to play ‘The Tennessee Waltz,’” added the noted pianist. “They didn’t know anything about the manuscript.”
During the festivities, Alexander invited Haslam to sit on his piano bench while he serenaded her with the famous melody. The Senator acquired the document via the efforts of his son, Curb Records Director of Publishing Drew Alexander. “Drew was my ‘Henry Kissinger ‘ in all the negotiations,” said Senator Alexander.
“This song is known all over the world,” reported Governor Bill Haslam, who is Natalie’s stepson. “When I was in Japan, they could easily play and sing it to me.”
“The Tennessee Waltz” was originally popularized by Pee Wee King & His Golden West Cowboys. It was written by King and the band’s lead singer, Redd Stewart. King and Stewart co-wrote the song en route to Nashville from a concert in late 1946. As soon as they got home, Stewart wrote out the sheet music of their composition. They presented it the next day to their publisher, Fred Rose. He suggested a change in the lyric of the song’s bridge. Stewart crossed out the original lyric and penciled in Rose’s, “I remember the night and the ‘Tennessee Waltz,’ and this change is clearly shown on the manuscript.
The Golden West Cowboys version of the song became a big country hit in 1947. Patti Page recorded her arrangement of the song  in 1950. It became a massive pop success, remaining at No. 1 for 13 weeks and spawning dozens of other pop versions. Page’s “The Tennessee Waltz” is believed to be the largest selling disc by a female artist in history. It was voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
Fred’s son Wesley Rose framed the song’s original manuscript and displayed it in the Acuff-Rose office on Franklin Road for many years. “The Tennessee Waltz” became an official state song in 1965. King and Stewart (as well as Fred Rose) were inaugural inductees into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.
After Acuff-Rose was sold to Opryland USA in 1985, Redd Stewart requested that his original lead sheet be returned to him. He died in 2003, just one week after the passing of his wife, Darlene Collins Stewart. Darlene and her sister Joyce performed for 20 years as The Collins Sisters with The Golden West Cowboys.
Joyce Collins Bell acquired “The Tennessee Waltz” manuscript as the executor of the Stewart estate. Lamar and Honey Alexander purchased the 67-year-old document from her and the family with the financial assistance of Colleen and Ted Welch, Denise and Steve Smith and Ashley and Lew Connor.
“The right home for the songwriters’ original manuscript of the state song that has become the most popular song in the history of country music is the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center at our state university,” said Senator Alexander.
“This is where country music was born in East Tennessee,” said Governor Haslam. “To have this song that we have all loved for so long where it should be, not locked in a closet somewhere, I’m thrilled to death.”
Both men are East Tennesseans. Haslam is the ex mayor of Chattanooga. Alexander is a native of Maryville. He is a former president of U.T., governor of Tennessee (1979-1987) and U.S. Secretary of Education.
U.T. Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek said that the manuscript will be prominently displayed. The university’s school of music has more than 350 students.
The dedication can been seen below, as well as Alexander’s piano rendition of “The Tennessee Waltz.”

George Strait, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, More Added To George Jones Tribute

George Jones

George Jones


A slew of superstars have been added to the lineup of the upcoming George Jones tribute concert Nov. 22 in Nashville. George Strait, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Reba McEntire, and Alabama have all signed on to sing praises to the Possum at the upcoming tribute show at Music City’s Bridgestone Arena, which has already sold out.
The additions to the bill join previously announced artists Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Josh Turner, The Oak Ridge Boys, Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson, Montgomery Gentry, Sam Moore, and others who will all take the stage in honor of the country legend who died earlier this year. Jones was on his farewell tour, The Grand Tour, when he passed away.
“I am thrilled and honored that so many of George’s friends are coming to what would have been his last concert,” says Nancy Jones.  “George loved these artists and before passing had actually wrote letters to almost all of them.”
The sold-out show was originally part of Jones’ final tour dates, but was converted into a tribute concert to the legend after his passing. An album full of new music by Jones, Amazing Grace, was released last week, and features the legend performing 12 classic gospel standards like “Old Rugged Cross,” “Peace In The Valley,” and the title track, and was produced by his longtime producer Billy Sherrill.
The collection also includes an unreleased track from 1994, “Great Judgment Warning,” which features Jones accompanied by Marty Stuart on mandolin, and backed by Jessi Colter, Waylon Jennings, Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, and Travis Tritt.

CBS Radio, BBR Music Group Bring Fans Seven Shows In Seven Days

bbr cbs radio1CBS Radio and the BBR Music Group have partnered to offer fans the chance to meet seven of their favorite artists in seven days in seven different cities. Beginning Monday (Sept. 16), CBS Radio’s country stations will launch a national multi-market promotion which will drive listeners to Radio.com to enter-to-win their way onto a private jet for a week-long, music-jammed journey around the U.S. to see seven concerts during seven back-to-back nights in seven different cities with BBR Music Group Recording artists. The grand prize winner, along with his or her guest, will also have the opportunity to meet each artist.
The contest winner’s jet setting, whirlwind week includes:
· Stop #1: Rachel Farley — Oct. 21 in Nashville, Tenn.
· Stop #2: Parmalee — Oct. 22 in Asheville, N.C.
· Stop #3: Randy Houser — Oct. 23 in Charleston, S.C.
· Stop #4: Jason Aldean — Oct. 24 in Memphis, Tenn.
· Stop #5: Thompson Square — Oct. 25 in Tampa, Fla. (Part of the Dirt Road Diaries tour)
· Stop #6: Dustin Lynch — Oct. 26 in Bossier City, La. (Part of the Light The Fuse tour)
· Stop #7: Joe Nichols — Oct. 27 in New Orleans, La. (Special acoustic performance prior to the New Orleans/Buffalo game)
The contest will run through Friday, Sept. 27 and will be featured on the following CBS Radio stations: KFRG/Riverside, Calif.; KILT/Houston; KMLE/Phoenix; KMNB/Minneapolis; KMPS/Seattle; KNCI/Sacramento, Calif.; WDSY/Pittsburgh; WQYK/Tampa, Fla.; WSOC/Charlotte, N.C.; WUSN/Chicago; WYCD/Detroit.
The grand prize winner will be chosen on Monday, Sept. 30 and announced on-air and at Radio.com. For official rules/regulations, visit radio.com.

Cumulus Media Partners With Rdio

Cumulus LogoCumulus Media Inc. has announced a partnership with digital music service Rdio. In exchange for a significant stake in Rdio’s parent company Pulser Media, Cumulus will provide Rdio with exclusive content and advertising promotions over a five year period. Additionally, Rdio will use the Cumulus sales model to monetize ad-supported free products, like music on-demand, custom playlists and content formed by Cumulus.
“This partnership leverages our premier broadcast and content assets along with Rdio’s acclaimed digital audio platform – enabling consumers to listen to whatever they want, whenever they want, however they want,” said Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey.
Founded by the co-creator of Skype, Rdio allows users to build digital music collections and play and share more than 20 million songs. The service has received praise from media outlets ranging from Mashable to The New York Times.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Cumulus and their robust network of radio stations and premium content,” said Rdio CEO Drew Larner. “This monumental deal is the first time a digital and a broadcast platform have come together in this way and we’re eager to bring the Rdio experience to the greater Cumulus listening audience.”