Bob DiPiero Receives CMA Chairman's Award

Pictured (L-R): Frank Bumstead, CMA Board President and Chairman of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy; DiPiero; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; John Esposito, CMA Board President-elect and President/CEO of Warner Music Nashville. Photo: Christian Bottorff / CMA

Pictured (L-R): Frank Bumstead, CMA Board President and Chairman of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy; DiPiero; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; John Esposito, CMA Board President-elect and President/CEO of Warner Music Nashville. Photo: Christian Bottorff / CMA


A member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and longtime host of the popular CMA Songwriters Series, Bob DiPiero was recognized today (Thursday November 20, 2014) during the CMA Board of Directors meeting in Nashville. He was presented the CMA Chairman’s Award by CMA Board Chairman Ed Hardy.
“Bob has been a creative force and passionate supporter of songwriters and the CMA Songwriters Series in the U.S. and in Europe – expanding the genre and creating new fans everywhere he goes,” Hardy said. “Bob is highly regarded as a songwriter, but serving with him on the CMA Board, I have a much deeper appreciation for his business acumen, his absolute dedication to the creative process, and his trademark sense of humor.”
“This award is truly a highlight of my ongoing career,” said DiPiero. “To be awarded this by Ed Hardy in front of the CMA Board members humbles me. The dream goes on.”
The Chairman’s Award is given annually at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board. At the presentation, Hardy praised DiPiero’s leadership and tireless efforts on behalf of the format and CMA Songwriters Series, which celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2014.

Americanafest Dates Announced for 2015

americanaThe dates have been announced for the 2015 Americanafest, slated to take place Sept. 15-20, 2015 in Nashville, Tenn. The conference will again be held at the Hutton Hotel, with additional events located throughout Nashville.
Early bird registrations for the 16th annual Americana Music Festival and Conference are now available by visiting eventbrite.com. The cost is $265 for Americana members and $365 for non-members.
Room blocks are also available for reservation at the Hutton Hotel. After registering for the 2015 Americanafest, attendees can call 866-894-4609 or email reservations@huttonhotel.com to book a stay during Americanafest.

Industry Ink: CMA, WMBA, Music Industry Forum

Documentary filmmakers Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan delivered the keynote address at the quarterly CMA Board of Directors meeting Wednesday (Nov. 19) in Nashville. Burns and Duncan, Emmy winners for their work on the PBS documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” are working together on a major series on the history of Country Music, slated for release in 2018.

Pictured (L-R): Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns deliver the keynote address during the CMA Board of Directors meeting Wednesday in Nashville. Photo: Caitlin Harris / CMA

Pictured (L-R): Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns deliver the keynote address during the CMA Board of Directors meeting Wednesday in Nashville. Photo: Caitlin Harris / CMA


Pictured (L-R): Jim Free, CMA ex-officio Board member and President/CEO of The Smith-Free Group; Ken Burns; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Dayton Duncan; Frank Bumstead, CMA Board President and Chairman of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy. Photo: Caitlin Harris / CMA

Pictured (L-R): Jim Free, CMA ex-officio Board member and President/CEO of The Smith-Free Group; Ken Burns; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Dayton Duncan; Frank Bumstead, CMA Board President and Chairman of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy. Photo: Caitlin Harris / CMA


Pictured (L-R): Jim Free, CMA ex-officio Board member and President/CEO of The Smith-Free Group; Ken Burns; Dierks Bentley, CMA Board member; Dayton Duncan; Kix Brooks, CMA Board Member. Photo: Caitlin Harris / CMA

Pictured (L-R): Jim Free, CMA ex-officio Board member and President/CEO of The Smith-Free Group; Ken Burns; Dierks Bentley, CMA Board member; Dayton Duncan; Kix Brooks, CMA Board Member. Photo: Caitlin Harris / CMA

• • •

wmbaThe Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) has announced its incoming officers and committee co-chairs for 2015. Current WMBA president Raeanna Mowl introduced the officers for 2015:
President-Alison Toczylowski, Director of Marketing & Communications, ASCAP
Vice President-Makayla Telfer, Marketing Director, StudioNow
Secretary-Dana Lalevee, Business Operations Analyst, BMI
Treasurer-Marissa Bond, Account Assistant, Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy
The WMBA’s committee co-chairs for 2015 include:
Membership & Marketing Committee: Jen Sackett and Elizabeth Motley
Events & Education Committee: Stacy Scism and Ellen Mundy

• • •

music industry forum logoNashville-based Music Industry Forum has launched its new online outpost, musicindustryforum.com, a gathering spot for industry members, artists, and others to engage in discussions, share information, and create opportunities.
“We are pleased to announce the release of the Music Industry Forum website,” said Tom Truitt, MusicRowSearch founder and industry headhunter.  “We designed Music Industry Forum to facilitate collaborative discussions, news and popular blog feeds. We look forward to growing with the community we serve.”
Music Industry Forum, which began as a LinkedIn discussion group seven years ago, has grown into an online community with more than 67,000 global members. The expansion has led to a standalone forum, which includes industry members Billy Block, Jim Griffin, Kalatech and DevDigital. The new website is designed to accommodate increased demand.
“If you have an opinion, a blog or a popular site and want it to be part of Music Industry Forum, simply visit the site and engage in the ongoing dialog about issues that matter,” said Billy Block, Music Industry Forum partner.
In addition to the web platform, Truitt plans for monthly meetups in multiple cities. The first meetup is planned for late January 2015. Anyone interested in attending a meetup can contact Music Industry Forum via info@musicindustryforum.com.

Kix Brooks To Receive CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award

Pictured (L-R): CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, Kix Brooks, CMA Board President Frank Bumstead and CMA Board Member Joe Galante. Photo Credit: CMA / Caitlin Harris

Pictured (L-R): CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, Kix Brooks, CMA Board President Frank Bumstead and CMA Board Member Joe Galante. Photo Credit: CMA / Caitlin Harris


Acclaimed artist, radio personality, entrepreneur, and member of the CMA Board of Directors Kix Brooks was named the first recipient of the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award.
The CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award was developed by the CMA Awards and Recognition Committee and approved by the CMA Foundation. The Award recognizes an individual who has served as a humanitarian through community leadership, financial support, personal volunteerism, and advocacy. Those recognized must be a Country Music professional who has evidenced commitment to worthwhile causes that are important to the Country Music Association and the Country Music community.
“It’s embarrassing to be singled out in such a giving community,” said Brooks. “It’s easy to look around and be inspired by people who do more. I’ll keep trying – this is very special.”
Brooks has been an active member of the CMA Board of Directors since 1998, serving and chairing numerous committees as well as presiding as President of the Board in 2004 and Chairman in 2005. During this 16-year period, Brooks contributed to the unprecedented growth of the organization, but was instrumental in creating and developing several initiatives that have touched the lives of countless members of the music community.
The Award will be presented at an event in January 2015.

'Billboard' 200 Albums Chart To Incorporate Streaming, Digital

Screen shot 2014-11-20 at 10.37.32 AM11The Billboard 200 albums chart will evolve from only counting album sales to also including on-demand streaming and digital track sales. The publication reports this change will provide a more accurate representation of an album’s popularity by reflecting overall consumption activity.

The company will continue to use the former Billboard 200 methodology to compute the Top Album Sales chart and existing genre album charts (Country, etc.).
According to Billboard, “The updated Billboard 200 will utilize accepted industry benchmarks for digital and streaming data, equating 10 digital track sales from an album to one equivalent album sale, and 1,500 song streams from an album to one equivalent album sale. All of the major on-demand audio subscription services are considered, including Spotify, Beats Music, Google Play and Xbox Music.”
Billboard VP of charts and data development Silvio Pietroluongo said, “While an extremely valuable measurement, album sales would mostly capture the initial impulse only, without indicating the depth of consumption thereafter. Someone could listen to the album just once, or listen to one track or a number of tracks 100 times. We are now able to incorporate those plays as part of an album consumption ranking throughout one’s possession of an album, extending beyond the initial purchase or listen.”
The revamped Billboard 200 chart will debut online Dec. 4, and appear in the Dec. 13 print magazine. It will include data from the shopping-heavy Thanksgiving week, ending Nov. 30.
Jim Urie, president/CEO of Universal Music Distribution, and Darren Stupak, executive vice president of U.S. Sales and Distribution, Sony Music Entertainment, offered positive reactions to the changes.

DISClaimer: Nashville's Eclectic Musical Map

taylor-swiftvideo

Taylor Swift


The non-country side of Nashville is all over the musical map today.
We have the Crescent City funk of Ya Ya, the jazz stylings of Anna Wilson, contemporary classical works by Paul Osterfield, awesome blues from Keb’ Mo’ and plenty of pop and rock.
It’s Music City pop that rules the roost. The Disc of the Day award goes to the terrifically listenable Taylor Swift, and our DisCovery Award goes to the sublimely melodic singer-songwriter Jessica Campbell.
CHEETAH CHROME/Rollin’ Voodoo
Writers: Cheetah Chrome; Producer: Ken Coomer; Publishers: Old Loud & Snotty, ASCAP; Plowboy (track)
-This punk-rock pioneer is a Nashvillian, a daddy and an ex junkie now. But the Dead Boys guitarist hasn’t lost his snarl and edge. His current Solo CD includes this doom-soaked rampage with strangled/shouted vocals and ringing electric guitar runs. Crazed and rocking.
MEGHAN TRAINOR/Lips Are Movin’
Writers: none listed; Producer: Kevin Kadish; Publishers: none listed; Epic (online)
-With her second single, the “All About That Bass” chart topper indicates that she’s no one-hit wonder. Her fusion of doo-wop, rap, pop and dance elements is a joyous melange, and the lyric about a no-good guy will resonate with gals throughout the land.
JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD/Totally Confused
Writers: Beck; Producer: Jeff The Brotherhood; Publishers: Cyanide Breathmint/BMI Songs, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-The duo’s new six-song EP is titled Dig the Classics. I don’t know if tunes originated by The Pixies, My Bloody Valentine, Teenage Fanclub and the like qualify as “classics.” In fact, this dirge-tempo Beck cover falls more under the category of “instantly forgettable.” The recording is heralded as being on limited-edition “purple” vinyl. I would describe my copy as being more of a puce or mauve shade.
KEB’ MO’/The Old Me Better
Writers: Kevin Moore/John Lewis Parker; Producer: Keb’ Mo’; Publishers: Kebnote/Wixen/Parker’s Pen, BMI, Kind of Blue (track)
-“Operator, get me Toby Keith on the line….Hello, Toby? Oermann here. Listen, bro, I have found your next smash hit. It’s on the current Keb’ Mo’ LP called Bluesamericana…..You’re welcome.” The Nashville bluesman recently regaled a Grand Ole Opry audience with this wry bopper about a rehabilitated rounder. “You made me a brand new man, but I like the old me better,” he sings with Dixieland accompaniment. This superbly humorous ditty is the calling card, but the whole album is essential listening. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it winds up with a Grammy nomination. It’s that good.
TAYLOR SWIFT/Blank Space
Writers: Taylor Swift/Max Martin/Shellback; Producers: Max Martin/Shellback; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Taylor Swift/MXM/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine (track)
-The year’s top-selling album is packed with audio delights. On its second single, Swift beckons us to accompany her on an adventure that might be dangerous, fun or both. “I’m a nightmare dressed like a daydream,” she warbles. The layered electro-production is simply stunning.
YA YA/Got to Go Down
Writers: Rev. Gary Davis; Producer: Ya Ya; Publishers: none listed; La La (track)
-Led by keyboardist/singer Randy Leago, the band Ya Ya is Nashville’s version of Mardi Gras. Its Party in My Mind CD kicks features this squeeze-box, sanctified-rock romp punctuated by the back-beat drumming of the group’s Billy Block, anchored by the bass of David Santos and spotlighted guitar by Thomm Jutz. Merriment personified.
ANNA WILSON/Little Jazzbird
Writers: George & Ira Gershwin; Producer: Monty Powell/Anna Wilson; Transfer (track)
-This Nashville jazz siren has a sweet/tart delivery with pinpoint phrasing and delicious behind-the-beat timing. Her Jazzbird/Songbird collection comprises a smattering of mostly obscure oldies like this, plus original songs. This Gershwin tune kicks off the CD and features fluttering flute work by Jeff Coffin. Highly recommended.
LOS STRAITJACKETS & DEKE DICKERSON/Apache
Writers: Jerry Lordan; Producer: Pete Curry; Publisher: Regent, ASCAP; Yep Roc (track)
-Music City’s favorite guitar-rock band in Mexican wrestling masks has a new album billed as “Sing the Great Instrumental Hits!!!!!!” Bear with me. Remember Bill Murray’s lounge-singer character on Saturday Night Live bellowing, “Star Wars, nothing but Star Wars?” This takes that concept to album length, with the band executing the famous electric-guitar riffs of “Walk Don’t Run,” “Pipeline,” “Honky Tonk,” “Sleepwalk” and the like while Dickerson hilariously deadpans lyrics that either never existed or have been long forgotten. Great stuff.
BLAKEMORE TRIO/Sound and Fury
Writers: Paul Osterfield; Producer: Blaton Alspaugh; Publishers: Paul Osterfield; BMI; Navona (track)
-Paul Osterfield is a Nashville native who teaches music composition and theory at MTSU. His new CD on the Naxos Records imprint Navona collects modern-art pieces he has written for various local ensembles. On the three-part title tune, the Blakemore Trio essays tricky, start-stop passages incorporating Amy Dorfman’s superb piano execution, Felix Wang’s stuttering cello and Carolyn Huebl’s high, keening violin. Another stand-out on the album is pianist Caleb Harris, for whom Osterfield composed six etudes and a series inspired by the abstract paintings of Wassily Kandinsky (who is currently the subject of a retrospective at the Frist Fine Arts Center, by the way).
jessica campbell III111JESSICA CAMPBELL/Losing Your Mind
Writers: Jessica Campbell/Tyler Flowers/Sarah Darling; Producer: Cason Cooley; Publishers: Watermamma/Tyler Flowers/Oh Darling, BMI/ASCAP; Little London
-She sweeps you off your feet with a lush, keyboard-embellished sound that lures you into a romance where, “following your heart means losing your mind.” The CD is titled III, because it is her third solo collection. Who knew? I must rush out and find the first two, because this pop singer-songwriter is really fabulous.

MusicRowPics: Jackie Lee

Jackie Lee visit

Jackie Lee visit


A high school football star-turned-country entertainer, Broken Bow Records artist Jackie Lee grew up in a home filled with a love of guitars and gridirons. The Maryville, Tenn., native first entered the recording studio at the age of 6, and was produced by family friend Carson Chamberlain (Keith Whitley, Easton Corbin). Lee grew up developing his powerful voice during performances at church. He tried his hand at multiple instruments, including drums, guitar, and piano. The love of music came naturally; Lee’s father, Jack, had pursued a record deal in the ’90s, and had been produced by Chamberlain.
Equally adept at sports as music, Jackie Lee grew up playing multiple sports, and helped Alcoa High School’s football team take home two state championship rings alongside future Green Bay Packer Randall Cobb.

Alcoa High School football team win two state championship rings. – See more at: http://www.opry.com/artist/jackie-lee#sthash.iJsExd1y.dpuf

The Maryville, Tenn. native knew his heart was in music, and his decision to pursue a career in entertainment over football is paying off handsomely. His first single, “She Does,” penned by Neil Thrasher and Kelley Lovelace, is making an impact at radio, and is climbing the charts. “They, of course, have written for guys like Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts, and that’s the kind of music I listened to growing up,” said Lee.
It’s been said that every song eventually falls into the hands of the right singer, and Lee said he hoped for the chance to record “She Does” since first hearing it. “I was writing at a publishing company here in Nashville,” said Lee. “Across the hall, I heard Kim Wiggins playing the demo for this song, and I just loved it. I went to her and said if the chance ever came up to record that song, I wanted it. She told me another artist had it on hold, so I didn’t think it would happen. Then, a few weeks later, she called me up and told me it was available. When Kenny Chesney didn’t record the song, I was so excited. It’s one of the first songs I recorded for the new project.”
That as-of-yet untitled project will be Lee’s first for Broken Bow Records (home to Jason Aldean, Dustin Lynch, and others), where Lee says he’s found a supportive home for artistic endeavors. “In January 2013 I was sitting with my manager Trey Turner and said I wanted to go somewhere where they believe in me as an artist,” said Lee. “I met with [Broken Bow CEO/founder] Benny Brown in February and we talked for three hours about family, my life and my music. I felt like he really pointed me in the right direction.” Longtime producer Chamberlain is working with Lee on his debut label project.
During a recent visit to MusicRow‘s Nashville office, Lee showcased his formidable, soulful voice with a performance of “She Does,” and previewed two other songs, “First Girl,” and “Tell Me,” from his upcoming project.
Lee also recalled his recent debut performance in the historic wooden circle on the Grand Ole Opry stage—a moment of pride for Lee, both personally, and professionally. He was joined onstage by his father Jack, who played keys during Lee’s performance. “We had lots of friends and family at the performance, so it was wonderful,” said Lee. “I’m loving every minute of this ride.”
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New Documentary Focuses on Guy Clark

 Guy Clark Old Friends Reunion - Front row: Robert Earl Keen, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Guy Clark and Maude the dog. Back row: Steve Earle, Jerry Jeff Walker, Rodney Crowell, Joe Ely and Terry Allen.

Guy Clark and friends celebrating his 73rd birthday. Front row: Robert Earl Keen, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Guy Clark and Maude the dog. Back row: Steve Earle, Jerry Jeff Walker, Rodney Crowell, Joe Ely and Terry Allen.

A full-length documentary about songwriter Guy Clark is in the works, thanks to producer/writer/director Tamara Saviano

Without Getting Killed or Caught: The Life and Music of Guy Clark is being crafted to feel like a feature film, from the opening scene set in 1971 when Guy and soon-to-be wife Susanna Talley pull into Nashville in a Volkswagen bus loaded with everything they own. It was the beginning of a journey that would help shape the outlaw songwriter culture.

The film will include exclusive interviews, and never-before-seen photos from Clark’s private collection. Other segments will be shot next year in Texas. Without Getting Killed or Caught will close with a scene from Clark’s 73rd birthday, an intimate in-the-round of stories and songs featuring Guy and his Texas compadres Terry Allen, Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Joe Ely, Robert Earl Keen and Jerry Jeff Walker. 

Saviano has spent countless hours over the past five years collaborating with Clark on his definitive biography. She plans to debut the film in 2016 in time for his 75th birthday. 

Working with her on the project are co-producer and director of photography Paul Whitfield, associate producers Connie Nelson and Stacy Dean Campbell, art director Wendy Thessen, finance manager Kurt Vitolo and legal counsel John Beiter.

Saviano’s other projects include the Grammy-winning Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs of Stephen Foster and the 2012 Americana Album of the Year, This One’s For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark, which was also nominated for a Grammy. 

Save The Date: MusicRow's 2015 CRS 'Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards'

SaveTheDate_CRSMusicRow Magazine announces the date for its 2015 CRS Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards.
The invitation-only event will welcome MusicRow subscribed members and radio executives to Margaritaville in downtown Nashville on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, beginning at 1:00 p.m.
The ceremony serves as the unofficial kick-off to Country Radio Seminar, which will attract radio broadcasters from across the country for events Feb. 25-27, 2015.
The afternoon will include the presentation of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards. Given annually, these honors recognize artists who earned the most airplay on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart during the preceding year. For 13 years, the CountryBreakout Chart has led the market for Country radio’s secondary stations. Additionally, the event will feature performances from some of Country’s music’s most promising rising artists.
“The value of the MusicRow Chart has never been greater,” says MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. “From Florida Georgia Line to Clare Dunn, secondary radio is often the first place where new music is discovered and we are proud to pay homage to this important segment of our radio industry. Not only does the CountryBreakout Chart give insight to radio’s future trends, but it provides a fluid platform for established artists to expand success and allows new artists to begin their careers and create initial momentum. ”
In-depth profiles of the yet-to-be-announced awards winners will be included in the February/March 2015 edition of MusicRow Magazine, set to debut at the awards ceremony. Copies of the print issue will be available for CRS attendees throughout the Nashville Convention Center, including at kiosks in the coffee lounge and conference areas. MusicRow paid subscribers will receive copies by mail. Magazines are also available for purchase anytime at musicrow.com or the magazine’s 17th Avenue headquarters in Nashville.
Read more about last year’s exciting event:
Bobby Karl Works the 2014 CRS Meet & Greet
MusicRowPics
2014 CountryBreakout Award Winners

Universal Music Group Nashville, Show Dog Nashville Announce Joint Venture Restructuring

jvUniversal Music Group Nashville (UMGN) and Toby Keith’s Show Dog Nashville (Show Dog) today (Nov. 19) announced plans to restructure the arrangement between the two companies. As a result, Show Dog has signed an exclusive worldwide distribution and services agreement with UMGN. This arrangement will result in a closer association between the two companies. UMGN will now provide service for A&R, creative, finance, marketing and sales to the independent label. Show Dog will maintain a full promotion team and Toby Keith will remain Principal of the company.
Toby’s first album under the new agreement will be 35 MPH Town, scheduled for release in the spring of 2015.
In making the announcement of the restructure, Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman & CEO, Mike Dungan shares, “All of us at Universal Music Group Nashville are thrilled that Toby has chosen to stay within the Universal family. And family it is, in this arrangement that allows Show Dog Nashville to remain independent, yet be fully integrated into our system and the great team of professionals that make up UMGN.”
Keith added, “I look forward to this new chapter in Show Dog’s history and it will be great to work so closely with the folks at Universal.”
UMG Nashville consists of Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville. The roster includes: Gary Allan, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Easton Corbin, Billy Currington, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Kip Moore, Kacey Musgraves, Jennifer Nettles, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Josh Turner, Shania Twain and Keith Urban.
Show Dog Nashville was founded in September 2005 by artist Toby Keith in Nashville. In 2015 Show Dog Nashville is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The roster includes Toby Keith, Krystal Keith, Josh Thompson and Native Run.