DISClaimer: It's Country Music Week

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George Strait


It’s Country Music Week: Take naps in the daytime and schmooze all night with your music-biz pals.
Appropriately for this season, our Disc of the Day belongs to an undisputed country-music king. That would be George Strait.
Also appropriate is the fact that our DisCovery Award winners made their debut at one of the awards banquets. That would be John & Jacob.
AMY ROSE/Sunshine
Writers: Christopher Alan Young/Phil O’Donnell/Tim James; Producers: Marty Beecroft, Glenn Coulson, Amy Rose; Publisher: none listed; Wild Rose (track)
-This slow, sad ballad of loss is ultra melodic. The production is solid. But the best thing about it is her wonderfully expressive, powerfully range-y and sublimely countrified vocal delivery. This gal has the goods.
SAMMY KERSHAW/Can’t Put My Finger On It
Writers: Tony Mullins/Blair Daly; Producer: Sammy Kershaw; Publisher: Songs of Windswept Pacific/Bless the Bikini/Southside Independent/Almo/Mullintone, BMI; Big Hit (track)
-Sammy’s new CD features re-recordings of his biggest hits, plus a smattering of new tunes. This swampy, funky ditty is one of them. Swerving fiddle work, stuttering guitar and catchy burbled audio effects underscore his light-hearted vocal delivery. Very enjoyable.
ALEX MEIXNER/Three Ring Circus
Writers: Alex Meixner/Ed Klancnik; Producer: Alex Meixner; Producer: none listed, BMI; Meixner (track)
-This hippie-haired guy and his two bandmates opened the Brave Combo polka fest at 3rd & Lindsley last week, and you’ve never heard three people make so much joyous noise. This is the title tune to a 23-tune CD that showcases his musicianship on accordion, trumpet, bass, keyboards and flugelhorn, as well as good-humored vocals. Many of the songs are self-composed. This is proof positive that polka is being reinvented by the next generation.
GEORGE STRAIT/I Got A Car
Writers: Keith Gattis/Tom Douglas; Producers: Tony Brown/George Strait; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Pioneer Town/Tomdouglasmusic, BMI; MCA Nashville
-I have loved this ever since I first heard it on George’s current Love Is Everything collection. He can’t offer his girl much more than the car he’s driving. But that’s enough to start a saga of lasting romance. You’ll fall in love with this lyric, and the rolling, irresistible tempo will take you home.
CHARLIE MAJOR/Friday Nights and You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; MDM (ERG)
-Canadian superstar Major takes a thumping working-man tune out for a spin. His conversational vocal isn’t exactly powerful, but it certainly sells this effectively, particularly with the production’s emphasis on percussion and some shouting background folks. Very catchy.
JERROD NIEMANN/Drink To That All Night
Writers: Derek George/Lance Miller/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producers: Jimmie Lee Sloas and Jerrod Niemann; Publishers: WB/Funky Friar/Songs of Style Sonic/Melvin’s Bullets/Melvin’s Pistol/EMI Blackwood/Sagequinnjude/Farmlove, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Sea Gayle/Arista
-This man continues to make some of the most imaginative sounding country music of our day. On this party rocker, he mixes straightforward chorus singing with processed vocals on the verses and a densely produced, layered electro track. I remain a fan, and my hat’s off for audio innovation.
John&Jacob

John&Jacob


JOHN & JACOB/Be My Girl
Writers: John Davidson/Jacob Bryant/Derrick Southerland; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Major Bob/Castle Bound/Derrick Southerland, ASCAP/SESAC; Major Bob (track)
-These guys sang their co-written hit “Done” at the SESAC banquet, and Mike Doyle introduced us. Their five-song EP kicks off with this sunny, bopping, Everly-esque duet. It has already been featured on the Nashville TV series and picked up airplay in their hometown of Birmingham and elsewhere. Crunchy, infectious and unstoppable, this little thing is a programmer’s delight. Get on board now: This is an act to watch.
BUSH HAWG/More Than Corn
Writers: Shaun Ames/Ben Hayslip/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Michael Knox; Publishers: Music of Cal IV/WB/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This Music/EMI Blackwood/Beattyville/Great Day at This Music, BMI/ASCAP; RCA
-It’s something loud and rocking about living rural, raising hell, acting religious and being patriotic. Ho hum.
LILLY OF THE WEST/My Window Faces South
Writers: Bob Wills; Producer: Lilly of the West; Publisher: none listed; Musicauter (track)
-Lead singer and fiddler Lilly Drumeva is visiting Nashville and studying country music. She aims to write the first Bulgarian-language book about the genre. Back home, she hosts her nation’s only country radio show and fronts this hot-picking band. This western-swing track appears on the group’s ninth CD, Swings and Heartaches. She got the thrill of her life when she got up to sing it on stage with The Time Jumpers late last month. By the way, in addition to seven country classics (Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, etc.), the album includes “Malka Moma si se Bogu Moli” and “Brala Moma Ruzha Cvete,” which are traditional Bulgarian songs given acoustic-country arrangements.
BILL ANDERSON & WILLIE NELSON/Bubba Garcia’s
Writers: Bill Anderson/Buddy Cannon/Jamey Johnson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; TWI (track)
Life!, the new CD by living legend Anderson, drops digitally a week from today. Whispering Bill’s guests on the collection include Dailey & Vincent, Vince Gill, Joey + Rory, John Anderson and Willie Nelson. The last named merrily duets on this lively, Mexicali-flavored ditty about a guy who’s half redneck and half hispanic and his “barbecue cantina & moonshine margarita” roadhouse. One of its TVs shows NASCAR races and the other one shows bull fights.

Bobby Karl Works the 61st Annual BMI Country Awards

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
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61st Annual BMI Country Awards - Show

BMI Country Awards winners


The event is called the BMI Country Awards, but nowadays it has less to do with presenting accolades and more to do with being a giant par-tay.
BMI executive Clay Bradley even dubbed it such. “This is the greatest party in country music,” he said. And it is.
On Tuesday evening (Nov. 5) at BMI’s Music Row headquarters, a throng of country publishers and songwriters schmoozed continuously from 5:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., when the actual award presentations began.
The schmoozers paid attention to the awarded songwriters for roughly an hour before resuming their schmoozing until 11:00 p.m. Indeed, their noise level nearly drowned out the night’s biggest winners. The schmooze brigade then left the awards banquet and descended to the building’s lobby for desserts, more schmoozing and music by the Harold Bradley A-Team Band with Mandy Barnett. This went on into the night.
One explanation for this orgy of socializing is the fact that there is annually no greater concentration of country stars and their teams at one gala. So many hands to shake, backs to slap and contacts to be made, you know.
“Is there anyone here?” asked Bob Doyle as he arrived on the red carpet. I directed him to the cocktail-party lobby. “Just throw a rock in there: you’re bound to hit a star,” I advised.
I wasn’t kidding. Chris Young, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Brantley Gilbert, Gregg Allman, Larry Gatlin, Clay Walker, Eric Church, The Eli Young Band, Greg Bates, J.T. Hodges, Kip Moore, Will Hoge, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett and Toby Keith merely scratched the surface of the recording celebs in attendance.
Need more proof? Nashville TV series stars Sam Palladio and Charles Esten, Kix Brooks, Dustin Lynch, The Del McCoury Band, Lee Brice, Justin Moore, Dickey Lee, Paul Overstreet, the Duck Dynasty Robertson family members, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Jansen, The Henningsens, Josh Turner, Jake Owen, Gary Allan, Rory Feek, Rascal Flatts members, Andy Gibson and Jason Aldean were there, too.
Several of them were fashion faves. Ashley Monroe was a knockout in a gown with a strapless green suede bodice, a navy leather skirt and belt, a silver jeweled cuff and matching sparkly high-heeled pumps, accessorized by her handsome new groom, Chicago White Sox pitcher John Danks. Kimberly Perry of The Band Perry was in a stunning floral long-sleeved cocktail dress with white collar and cuffs.
61st Annual BMI Country Awards - Arrivals

Hunter Hayes

Everyone in Little Big Town looked smashing. Karen Fairchild’s dress was of iridescent feathers. Kimberly Schlapman’s black frock featured a metallic filigreed gold center panel. Jimi Westbrook wore a stylish vest over a chocolate-hued silk shirt. Philip Sweet’s two-tone, gray-and-black jacket was one of the eve’s most handsome. Shawn Camp’s black sequined western-cut coat was a stand-out, as was Charlie Worsham’s maroon velvet jacket.

Several of the stars came to sing. To salute this year’s BMI Icon award winner Dean Dillon, lanky Luke Bryan began with a lively performance of “Down and Out.” Lee Ann Womack followed with a divinely soulful “Empty Glass.” She drew a standing ovation, as did Kenny Chesney’s version of “Holed Up in Some Honky Tonk.”
The Dillon tribute concluded with George Strait’s medley of the songwriter’s “Marina Del Ray,” “The Chair” (another s.o.) and “Here for a Good Time.” Strait has recorded 54 Dillon songs over the years. Which is, like, wow. “Congratulations, Icon!” King George exclaimed.
“When Del [Bryant] called me [to tell the Icon Award news], I started to cry, and I’ll tell you why,” said Dillon. “I live, eat, breathe and sleep songs….In the immortal words of Hank Cochran, ‘Isn’t this wonderful?’” Dean Dillon has an incredible 26 BMI songs that have been broadcast more than a million times apiece.
While we’re on the subject of the awards, themselves, Jody Williams, Del Bryant and incoming BMI president Michael O’Neill teamed up to present the Big Three. Del did the honors for the first one: The BMI Country Publisher of the Year was Sony-ATV. This is the 37th (!) time the firm has accomplished this feat.
The Songwriter of the Year was Rodney Clawson. “It’s a pleasure to sit in a room and write with the greatest songwriters in the world, every day,” said Clawson. “Thank you for believing in me. This is awesome.”
The Frances W. Preston Song of the Year went to “Wanted,” co-written by yet another singing star in attendance, Hunter Hayes, with his collaborator Troy Verges.
On either side of the Icon presentation, BMI honored its 2013 most-performed songs. The first 25 were announced before, and the second 25 were honored after.
“What an incredible year we’ve had,” said Jody. “There’s more interest in our music and our lifestyle than ever before. And the best thing is, your songs will live forever.”

61st Annual BMI Country Awards - Show

Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Lee Ann Womack, Dean Dillon, George Strait, Kenny Chesney

Earlier, Clay Bradley dedicated the night to the late Jack Clement and George Jones, both BMI affiliates. Jody recognized new Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Bare, who received a hearty standing ovation. Jody also directed applause to new Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members Layng Martine Jr., Randy Owen and Jeffrey Steele. The last-named was another sartorial standout, wearing a purple jacket festooned with swirling pale blue and silver rhinestones.

Those three were just a drop in the bucket of the stellar singing songwriters at this extraordinary gala. Try Billy Montana, Billy Burnette, Bobby Braddock, Bobby Pinson, Bob DiPiero, Rob Crosby, Jeff Stevens, Jeff Hanna & Matraca Berg, Marcus Hummon, Mark Nesler & Jennifer Hanson, Big Al Anderson, Alex Harvey, Even Stevens, Thom Schuyler, Mac McAnally and Brittany Taylor.
You could get whiplash greeting one fabulon after another. After all, Lee Thomas Miller, Mary Miller, Dallas Davidson, David Israelite, David Malloy, David & Carolyn Corlew (the newly crowned Ms. Senior America), Jerry Crutchfield, Jerry & Connie Bradley, Steve Bogard, Steve Cropper, Steve Dean, Mayor Karl Dean, James Stroud, Jim Catino and Jim Free were all working the room.
The “room” for the awards banquet is actually the fourth floor of the BMI building’s parking garage. It was disguised with mirrors and deliberately kitsch-y, ‘50s “moderne” geometric panels of aqua, black and white. Matching tablecloths surrounded glass cubes holding pale, two-tone orchids.
Swanning through the décor were Norro Wilson, Stacie Standifer & Tim Nichols, Tim Wipperman, Scott & Sandi Spika Borchetta, Luke Laird & Beth Mason, Mike Dungan, Joe Galante, Fletcher Foster, Dennis Morgan, Eddie Perez & Trey Fanjoy, Roy Wunsch & Mary Ann McCready, Regina & Ron Stuve, Chuck Ainlay, Nancy Shapiro, Neil Portnow, Will Rambeaux, Keith Stegall, John Ozier, Dane Bryant, Dick Frank, Craig Hayes, Josh Leo, Whitney Daane, Doug Howard, Randy Scruggs, Carson Chamberlain, Hugh Prestwood, Rory Bourke, Ken Levitan and Kyle Young.
They dined on toast points with a variety of toppings, followed by the main course. Plates were loaded with sautéed collards with pork belly, whiskey ginger glazed carrots, rosemary roasted fingerling potatoes, black Angus beef filet and Coca-Cola fried chicken thighs with dressing. Mmm-mmm good.
Top Winners List:
Song of the Year–“Wanted,” written by Hunter Hayes and Troy Verges. Publishers: Happy Little Man Publishing/Songs From The Engine Room/Songs of Universal
Songwriter of the Year–Rodney Clawson. Songs penned by Clawson include: “Did It For The Girl,” “Drunk On You,” “Drink On It” and many others
Publisher of the Year–Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville
BMI Icon Award–Dean Dillon
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so much MOORE media Celebrates 25 Years

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Martha Moore


Martha E. Moore is celebrating her 25th year as head of her independent, boutique public relations firm, so much MOORE media.
So much MOORE media opened in November 1988.
During the past several decades, Moore has worked with Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Brenda Lee, Merle Haggard, Barbara Mandrell, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, George Strait, Kathy Mattea, Lee Greenwood, David Frizzell, Don Williams, Tom Jones, John Mellencamp, KISS, Tears for Fears, Bon Jovi, Cinderella, Def Leppard, Joe Cocker and more.
In recent years so much MOORE media has represented Hank Cochran, Ricky Skaggs, The Amazing Rhythm Aces, actress/performer Kassie DePaiva, Guy Penrod, The Grascals, Jerry Reed, Sylvia, Randy Thompson, The Stetson Family, Todd Fritsch, Lisa O’Kane, Flynnville Train, Becky Schlegel, Aiken & Friends Fest and Tappedinto.com.
Moore is currently engaged in strategic partnerships with PR firm Webster & Associates, and indie label Way Out West Records. Her present roster includes APA-Nashville, The Roys, LiveWire, Lisa Matassa, Jay Jolley, Joanna Mosca, Sherry Lynn, Lizzie Sider and Mike Aiken.
Moore was born in Washington, D.C. She began her career in music as a copywriter for WKGN Radio (Knoxville) while studying Advertising and Marketing at the University of Tennessee. Martha moved to Nashville in 1976 to take a position at WLAC Radio (AM Promotion/FM Traffic). She worked at MCA/ABC Records as the label’s Manager of Press & Artist Development for just over four years before moving to PolyGram Records. While there, Moore was the Director of Press & Artist Relations/Nashville for nearly eight years. Jerry Kennedy, then VP of A&R/Nashville recalls Moore as “very creative and dependable.” “We were very fortunate to have Martha on the team. She did a great job for our roster,” he states.
A member of the CMA, ACM, Americana Music Association, IBMA and SOURCE, Moore was recently featured in a Bluegrass Unlimited article on publicists, and has also appeared in various media outlets including Country Music People Magazine, Music News Nashville, Third Coast Magazine, Roots Music Report and MusicRow magazine. Additionally, Moore wrote a popular music column, “Roots, Boots & ‘Billy,” for Ireland’s Country Music Plus Magazine for a year.
“I cannot imagine doing anything else,” Moore states. “To work hand-in-hand with such talented artists every day is just a blessing. I am incredibly grateful to the Nashville music community and to the media who continue to trust in me. I follow my passion, and it’s rarely steered me wrong.”

First Winners For 47th Annual CMA Awards Revealed

tim mcgraw1111Earlier this morning (Wednesday, Nov. 6), the CMA award winners for Musical Event of the Year and Video of the Year were revealed by the Country Music Association. During a segment of Good Morning America, it was revealed that Tim McGraw‘s “Highway Don’t Care,” which features Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, won Musical Event of the Year.
The video for “Highway Don’t Care,” directed by Shane Drake, won Video of the Year.
The awards show will feature a string of musical collaborations, including performances by Luke Bryan with Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban with Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band with Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Hunter Hayes with Jason Mraz, as well as Alan Jackson and George Strait (in a tribute to the late George Jones). Jennifer Nettles, Darius Rucker and Rascal Flatts will honor Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Kenny Rogers.
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will host the CMA Awards at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, beginning at 7 p.m. ET on ABC.

Bryan To Debut New Single on 'The 47th Annual CMA Awards'

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Luke Bryan


Luke Bryan will open The 47th Annual CMA Awards with his recent No. 1 hit, “That’s My Kind of Night.” The singer-songwriter will return later in the show to sing his poignant new single “Drink A Beer,” dedicating this performance to his brother Chris and sister Kelly, whom he lost in 1996 and 2007 respectively.
“This is the coolest sad song ever,” said Bryan. “It holds a special place in my heart and I am honored the writers allowed me to record it.”
The song was written by Jim Beavers and Chris Stapleton. Stapleton, who sang background vocals on the album track, will also perform them with Bryan during the CMA Awards performance.
Bryan is nominated for three CMA Awards including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist and Musical Event for “The Only Way I Know” with Jason Aldean and Eric Church.

Urban Debuts Guitar Collection on HSN

Urban-GuitarKeith Urban introduced his new URBAN(TM) Guitar Collection via HSN, HSN.com and HSN Mobile on Sunday, Nov. 3, resulting in a sellout debut. Urban’s first appearance on HSN marks the largest guitar debut ever for the entertainment lifestyle retailer.
“With the sellout world premiere of the URBAN(TM) Guitar Collection, HSN has once again demonstrated its unique ability to showcase a brand across all platforms like no other retailer in the world,” said Joy Mangano, President of Ingenious Designs, an affiliate of HSN. “This unprecedented launch marks the beginning of an exciting and dynamic partnership and I congratulate Keith on his tremendous debut. I look forward to our continued success as we work together to provide access to high-quality guitar packages to aspiring musicians everywhere.”
The URBAN(TM) Guitar Collection features two versions of the “Phoenix Edition” guitars – electric and acoustic/electric — and was offered in Brazilian Burst, Emerald Brazilian Burst, Rich Black and Vintage Natural Ivory. It is part of a 21-piece set that includes a custom amplifier, coated guitar strings, embroidered guitar strap, guitar picks, instructional DVDs featuring one-on-one lessons from Urban.

MerleFest 2014 To Feature Alan Jackson, Ralph Stanley

image001MerleFest has announced its lineup for 2014, which will include heavyweight talents like Alan Jackson, Ralph Stanley, Jim Lauderdale, and the Travelin’ McCourys, among others. The event will once again take place on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C., and will feature a unique eclectic mix of traditional, roots-oriented music from the Appalachian region, including bluegrass, Americana, blues, Country, Celtic, Cajun, cowboy, zydeco, rock and many other styles that Doc Watson referred to as “traditional plus.” More than 130 acts will perform on 13 stages during the popular four-day festival, slated for April 24-27.
Statler Brother Jimmy Fortune will also appear along with Dailey & Vincent during the festival to deliver a set of the Statler’s biggest hits, and Tim O’Brien and Darrell Scott will perform hits from their new collaborative album, Memories and Moments.
“With just this first list of performers, fans will see that we have a great mix of ‘vintage MerleFest’ and ‘fresh faces,’” said Steve Johnson, artist relations manager for MerleFest. “While we have many more artists yet to announce, we can say now that we have an incredible depth of music for 2014 that lives up to the ‘traditional plus’ lineup MerleFest attendees have come to enjoy over the years. We are especially excited to offer a few special jams and MerleFest moments that no one will want to miss!”
The entire lineup can be found at merlefest.org, and tickets go on sale Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. ET and can be purchased on the website.

Eric Church Reveals New Album Artwork and Release Date

dcd45c8b4fa3de46bdfd7b1e_240x240Eric Church has announced the date and revealed the cover art for his latest CD, The Outsiders, due out Feb. 11, 2014 . Church will perform the title track and lead single tomorrow night (Wednesday, Nov. 6) on the CMA Awards, where he’s up for two awards, including Male Vocalist and Musical Event of the Year with Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean for “The Only Way I Know.” The tune is a nod to the way Church and his fans built his career from the ground up, fighting to get his music heard.
The Outsiders project was produced once again by Jay Joyce, and starting tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 6) fans can pre-order an exclusive album bundle directly from ericchurch.com, which includes the album and exclusive merchandise including: T-Shirt, sticker, and/or a leather cuff bracelet. Fans visiting the site can also view a special video introducing the new single and the spirit behind it.

Robinson Promoted To Executive Director at Johnny Cash Museum

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Sydney Robinson


The Johnny Cash Museum‘s founder Bill Miller has announced that Sydney Robinson, formerly Director of Museum Marketing and Social Media, has been promoted to Executive Director of Business Development and Marketing for the museum.
“During her tenure with us, Sydney has proven to be a dynamo in reaching out and helping the museum enter into crucial and important strategic business alliances with a variety of partnerships which strengthen all areas of our operations,” says Miller. “She has passionately embraced the vision I have shaped for the organization, and I am confident that I could not have made a better choice than her to oversee and execute in these critical areas.”
Robinson’s duties will include building visitor counts to the museum through a variety of initiatives, developing revenue streams through ancillary uses of the museum’s facilities, overseeing sponsorship outreach, creating marketing and advertising strategies and working with the museum’s public relations firm, PLA Media. Robinson reports directly to museum founder Miller.

Bobby Karl Works The ASCAP Country Awards

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 440

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP President Paul Williams and ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Josh Kear. Photo: Ed Rode and Frederick Breedon.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP President Paul Williams and ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Josh Kear. Photo: Ed Rode and Frederick Breedon.


This year’s 51st ASCAP Country Awards marked the kick-off of the 100th anniversary of America’s first performance-rights organization, and what a night it was.
The gala, staged at the Music City Center on Monday (Nov. 4), had it all – glamor, cuisine, live music, fashion, fellowship, emotion, décor and stars. Chief among the last named was George Strait, who was given the prestigious ASCAP Founder’s Award. What’s more, stars Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack and Garth Brooks saluted him in song.
“I never dreamed I would ever have a night like this,” said King George. “Amazing. One hundred years is a long time,” he said with a chuckle, referring to ASCAP’s anniversary. “That’s about when I signed with ASCAP. I just wanna say, I’m totally honored by this. What great songwriters you are. Thank you so much for sending all those songs all those years. A good song always sticks with you.”
He should know. Strait has had 60 No. 1 hits, more than anybody else in country music. He’s also in the Country Music Hall of Fame, yet is still nominated as a CMA Entertainer of the Year this year. Oh, and he is a real Country artist.
Other songwriting celebs who earned awards at the banquet included Dierks Bentley, Angaleena Presley, Jessi Alexander, Tom Gossin of Gloriana, Brad Paisley and David Lee Murphy.
Josh Kear was announced as ASCAP’s 2013 Country Songwriter of the Year. Throughout his acceptance speech, Josh paused to gain control over his emotions. He was sweetly moving as he thanked his cowriters, the publishers who’ve supported him, his parents and his wife and daughter.
“I wrote my first song when I was 13,” said Josh. “I’m 39 now. I’ve been writing songs basically every day since then. By the time I was 16 and knew what ASCAP was, this is what I wanted,” he added, referring to his award. He choked up, then apologized. “Sorry – This is kind of unbelievable….I’m overwhelmed.”
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George Strait and ASCAP’s Paul Williams


Josh and collaborator Chris Tompkins co-wrote “Drunk On You,” which tied for Country Song of the Year. Singer Luke Bryan showed up to congratulate them. The other Song of the Year was Neil Thrasher’s “How Country Feels.” Its singer, Randy Houser, was also in the house. Warner-Chappell Music was ASCAP’s country Publisher of the Year.
The gala was sprinkled with music. The sensationally gifted Brandy Clark began the banquet with a bluesy and soulful “Get High,” accompanied by acoustic pickers. The song can be found on her outstanding 12 Stories CD.
The top five ASCAP country songs of the year were all performed. Each was introduced by an up-and-coming artist. Brothers Osborne presented Josh Kear & Chris Tompkins singing “Drunk on You.” Dan & Shay introduced Randy Houser, Wendell Mobley & Neil Thrasher performing “How Country Feels.” Leah Turner introduced Shane McAnally singing “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye.” Cassadee Pope presented Eric Paslay, whose version of “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” got a standing ovation. Raelynn introduced Gloriana & Josh Kear doing “(Kissed You) Good Night.”
Taking the stage at various times to collect ASCAP honors were Ashley Gorley, Ben Glover, Ben Hayslip, Chris DeStefano, Chris DuBois, Chris Farren, Trevor Rosen, Hillary Lindsey and Jeremy Stover, among others. Applauding heartily were Brett James, Casey James, Allen Shamblin, Fred Knobloch, Wayland Holyfield, Desmond Child, Alyssa Bonagura, Jay DeMarcus & Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts, Rivers Rutherford, Mayor Karl Dean, Buddy Cannon, Jo Walker-Meador, Greg Bates and Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley & Dave Haywood.
The cavernous grand ballroom of the Music City Center glowed like a candle-lit cathedral. Tables were draped in ebony fabric with centerpieces of clustered red roses and white hydrangeas. The stage was flanked with white curtains that were lit in various hues throughout the presentations. A new/retro ASCAP logo was projected in honor of the impending 100th anniversary, which actually takes place on Feb. 13, 2014.
Schmoozing among the tables as we took our seats were Jon Randall Stewart, John Esposito, John Huie, John Grady, John Briggs, Michael Knox, Mike Sebastian, Mike Vaden, Mike Hollandsworth, ASCAP award winner Mark Bright, Mark Wright, Mark Ford, Mark D. Sanders, Eddie DeGarmo, Eddie Bayers & Lane Brody, Robert Ellis Orrall, Rob Beckham, Bob Reagan, Dave Pomeroy, David Corlew, Pat Finch, Patrick Clifford, Doug Johnson, Doug Casmus, Dan Hill, Dan Keen and Dan Harrell.
The first course was baby mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, candied pecans, carrot strips and dried cranberries drizzled with tarragon vinaigrette. The main course was beef tenderloin, grilled shrimp, steamed green beans and polenta au gratin casserole squares. Dessert was Neopolitan mousse with white-chocolate discs topped by raspberry syrup. Not only is the Music City Center catering kitchen excellent, the wait staff was wonderfully attentive.
Garth Brooks honors George Strait at the ASCAP Country Awards in Nashville.

Garth Brooks honors George Strait at the ASCAP Country Awards in Nashville. Photos by: Ed Rode and Frederick Breedon.


Earle Simmons, Alison DeMarcus, Sherod Robertson, Teresa George, James Dean Hicks, Susan Meyers, Andrew Kintz, Jewel Coburn, Chris Oglesby, Barry Coburn, Becky Harris, Ron Stuve, Diane Pearson, Garth Fundis, Capucine Monk, Woody Bomar, Debbie Carroll and Hank Adam Locklin dined and dished.
Looks we liked included Lisa Harless in a clingy, floor-length, magenta gown. Melanie Howard had on a tux jacket, knotted pearls, a lace-trimmed blouse and high boots. Hope Fisher glided by, escorted by hubby Pete Fisher, and looking stunning in a black gown with a lace top, rusched-fabric hips and a train. Craig Wiseman wore a floral shirt – what else is new?
Mega-talent Gretchen Peters was in a gray velvet jacket over a peach-hued blouse with shiny embroidery. Her Planned Parenthood benefit, co-starring K.T. Oslin, is at the Rutledge on Thursday.
Liz Hengber was as cute as a pixie in her glittering gold brocade top over black tights and booties. Terri Walker, accompanied by Jeff Walker, was in a fabulous silver-and-black sequined evening jacket. Georgia Middleman wore black lace over an alabaster gown.
“This is always how I spend my birthday, with my closest friends and George Strait,” quipped Tinti Moffatt.
ASCAP’s guest list for her included Clay Myers, Randy Wachtler, Ralph Murphy, Tom Long, Tom Roland, Tim Hunze, Lisa Konicki, Kerry O’Neil, Rusty Jones, Blake Chancey, Steve Buchanan, Kevin Lamb, B.J. Hill, Bill Denny, Robin Palmer, Celia Froelig, Kos Weaver, Frank Rogers and, oh heck, everybody you’ve ever met in the music business.
On stage, ASCAP songwriter Pat Alger gave a shout-out to the organization and the other industry institutions and individuals who donated the funds to create The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s gallery, stairway of songwriter hits and songwriter square at the Music City Center.
At various times, our hosts-with-the-mosts at the podium were LeAnn Phelan & Michael Martin, Paul Williams, Mike Sistad, John Titta and other ASCAP honchos. The bottom line is, those folks really know how to stage a gala.
All photos by Ed Rode and Frederick Breedon.
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