Weekly Register: Musgraves Bakes ‘Biscuits,’ Janson Rides ‘Boat’

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kacey musgraves biscuitsKacey Musgraves and Chris Janson scored notable track debuts this week. Musgraves mixed up “Biscuits,” selling 25K and settling at No. 5 on the country tracks chart. Janson’s “Buy Me A Boat,” swam into No. 8 selling 21K, a strong debut, especially for an independent artist.chris janson Buy-Me-a-Boat

Top 5 Country Tracks TW
Sam Hunt, “Take Your Time,” 57K
Zac Brown Band, “Homegrown,” 38K
Cole Swindell, “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey,” 27K
Little Big Town, “Girl Crush,” 25K
Kacey Musgraves, “Biscuits,” 25K

Hunt used the music video for “Take Your Time” to depict the life of a struggling mother in a bad relationship, instead of a more literal interpretation of the song. The video (below) was directed by Tim Mattia (Cage The Elephant), and the track has sold over 700k downloads.

On the country albums chart, Luke Bryan’s Spring Break…Checkin’ Out stays at No. 1 for a second week with 30K/119K RTD. The top country album debut belongs to Allison Moorer, with 1.6K copies.

Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly debuts at No. 1 on the Top 200, selling 363K (324K album only).

Celebration of Life Set For Al Bunetta

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Al Bunetta

Al Bunetta

A celebration of life for Al Bunetta has been set for Tuesday, March 31 at the CMA Theater, located within the Country Music Hall of Fame, in downtown Nashville, Tenn.

Bunetta spent more than 40 years guiding the careers of John Prine and the late Steve Goodman. He died March 22. Bunetta was recently diagnosed with cancer and admitted to Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville, where he later died.

Seating for the celebration of life service will begin at 10 a.m., with the service starting promptly at 11 a.m.

Direct entrance to the theater can be found on the Fifth Avenue side of the building (222 Fifth Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203).

Out-of-town visitors can contact the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel for a special rate of $229 daily for the evenings of Monday (March 30), Tuesday (March 31) and / or Wednesday (April 1). Please reference the ‘Bunetta Family’ special rate when calling (800) 336-3335. Reservations will be taken beginning Wednesday morning (March 25) through Saturday evening (March 28). Room availability is limited.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juri Bunetta Friendship Foundation.

Friends and colleagues of Bunetta can email [email protected] with any photos of Al to be considered for inclusion at the celebration.

Industry Ink: Southern Crossroads Music, Maggie Rose

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SouthernCrossroadsNewSigningsSouthern Crossroads Music Signs Four New Artist/Writers

New signees to Southern Crossroads include Nashville-based Boo Ray and Allen Thompson. From the UK, Southern Crossroads has signed Max Milligan and new Liverpool-based singer/songwriter, Lauren Davenport.

Milligan will work on production projects with the Southern Crossroads artists, while also writing spots for advertising and film/TV. Ray, Thompson and Davenport are currently working on new material to be released later this year.

“Both Boo Ray and Allen Thompson bring an excellent back catalog into Southern Crossroads and we are looking forward to developing exploitation opportunities for their material moving forward,” said Southern Crossroads Music’s Liam McMellon.

The additions join a current roster of Annie Bosko and Don Gallardo.

 

Maggie Rose, Play It Again Music Publishing’s Austin Marshall Engaged

Maggie Rose proposed to by Austin Marshall. Photo: Facebook

Maggie Rose proposed to by Austin Marshall. Photo: Facebook

Maggie Rose, a new Play It Again Music Publishing signee, became engaged to Play It Again Music Publishing‘s EVP Austin Marshall after he popped the question on March 21 at Maryland’s Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club. Rose usually sings “River Road” with her bass player Tim Braisted. Rose recalls of the proposal:

“Right after I introduced [Tim], he stepped away from the mic and to my surprise Austin walked on stage and began singing with me. After the song was over he whispered something to me and got down on bended knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes, of course. I couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful moment and sharing it with everyone was such a blessing. My whole band was in on it. My sisters and parents were there ready to capture the moment and I was overwhelmed with love. Austin knows I live on stage and carefully chose a time and place that we’ll remember forever.”

HoriPro Signs Songwriter/Vocalist Wes Hightower

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Pictured (L-R): Robin Gordon (Gordon Law Group), Bradley Collins (BMI), Lee Krabel (HoriPro), Butch Baker (HoriPro), Wes Hightower, David Preston (BMI), Courtney Crist (HoriPro), Tim Stehli (BMI), Chris Skinner (Gordon Law Group)

Pictured (L-R): Robin Gordon (Gordon Law Group), Bradley Collins (BMI), Lee Krabel (HoriPro), Butch Baker (HoriPro), Wes Hightower, David Preston (BMI), Courtney Crist (HoriPro), Tim Stehli (BMI), Chris Skinner (Gordon Law Group)

HoriPro has signed 12-time MusicRow All-Star Musician Awards Vocalist of the Year Wes Hightower to a publishing deal.

“We are so happy to welcome Wes back to our family. Some of my favorite songs in our catalog are Wes Hightower songs. And he is one of the most heard voices on projects today,” the company said in a statement.

Hightower, a Texas native, has long been one of Nashville’s most in-demand background vocalists. He has sung on more than 150 million records sold worldwide.

In recent years, Hightower has turned his focus more toward songwriting, with songs recorded by Gary Allan, Montgomery Gentry, Gene Watson, and Sammy Kershaw, among others.

Chris Stapleton To Bring Songs from Studio To Stage on Spring Tour

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Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton

Mercury Records Nashville artist Chris Stapleton, whose debut solo project Traveller will release May 5, will soon bring those songs from the studio to the stage, on his upcoming round of spring tour dates.

The dates include album release shows at Nashville’s Cannery Ballroom (May 8), and New York’s Mercury Lounge (May 5).

Also on the touring lineup are gigs at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (May 2), New York’s Farmborough Festival (June 26) and Delaware’s Big Barrel Country Music Festival (June 27).

Stapleton has notched a reputation as a go-to writer for artists in Music City. Recently, his fifth career No. 1, “Drink A Beer,” was nominated for “Song of the Year” at the 2015 ACM Awards. The song was co-written with Jim Beavers and recorded by Luke Bryan.

Stapleton brings his distinctive, bluesy voice and songwriting style to Traveller, which was produced by Dave Cobb and recorded by Vance Powell at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A (with additional production from The Castle and Blackbird Studio). The project offers 12 originals, including “Sometimes I Cry.” Stapleton recently recorded a new rendition of the song live-to-tape before an industry audience during an album reveal party at RCA Studio A. The project also includes Stapleton’s recordings of Don Sampson‘s “Was It 26” and the Dean Dillon/Linda Hargrove composition “Tennessee Whiskey.”

Chris Stapleton Upcoming Tour Dates:

March 26—Duluth, MN—AMSOIL Arena*
March 27—Sioux City, IA—Orpheum Theatre*
March 28—Enid, OK—Enid Events Center*
April 30—Boston, MA—TD Garden†
May 2—New Orleans, LA—New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
May 5—New York, NY—Mercury Lounge
May 8—Nashville, TN—Cannery Ballroom
May 19—Columbia, MO—The Blue Note
May 20—Lincoln, NE—Pinnacle Bank Arena†
May 22—Rapid City, SD—Rushmore Plaza Civic Center†
May 23—Bozeman, MT—Brick Breeden Fieldhouse†
June 5—Athens, GA—Georgia Theatre
June 6—Macon, GA—Cox Capitol Theatre
June 7—Birmingham, AL—Iron City
June 26—New York, NY—Farmborough Festival
June 27—Dover, DE—Big Barrel Country Music Festival
June 28—Charleston, WV—Mountain Stage
July 3—Fort Worth, TX—Billy Bob’s Texas 4th of July Picnic
July 12—Chicago, IL—Windy City Smokeout BBQ & Country Music Fest

*with Little Big Town
†with Eric Church

Luke Laird, Eric Church Celebrated For “Talladega”

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Pictured (L-R): Universal Music Group Nashville's Mike Dungan and singer-songwriter-artist Eric Church

Pictured (L-R): Universal Music Group Nashville’s Mike Dungan and singer-songwriter-artist Eric Church

BMI hosted a celebration at Nashville’s Acme Feed & Seed on Monday afternoon (March 23) for the No. 1 song “Talledega,” performed by Eric Church. Written by Church and hit songwriter Luke Laird, it was the third single that went No. 1 that was co-written by both and performed by Church, following on the success of “Drink In My Hand” and “Give Me Back My Hometown.” It is Church’s fourth chart-topper overall.

For Creative Nation writer Laird, it marks his 19th No. 1 song as a writer. 14 different artists have recorded those chart-topping hits.

Laird praised Church for being a “great artist, but a songwriter first…he comes from the old school of writing. A great song is made from a great idea.”

During the celebration of “Talladega,” Church was also presented plaques for his first album, Sinners Like Me, being certified Gold and his latest project, The Outsiders, going platinum.

Among the speakers and presenters were Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson, Universal Music Group’s Mike Dungan, CRB’s Holly Lane, Brandi Simms of the CMA, Beth Laird of Creative Nation, and Kent Earls of Universal Music Publishing. Ron Cox of Avenue Bank announced a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation on behalf of the songwriters.

Church ended the ceremony by thanking his road crew and the number of people that help him along his career. “I’m a big believer in not recognizing what you do, but who you do it with,” said Church.

Pictured (L-R): EMI Nashville’s Mike Dungan, Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson, BMI songwriter Luke Laird, BMI songwriter Eric Church, Creative Nation’s Beth Laird, Universal Publishing’s Kent Earls, Little Louder Music’s Whitney Parker, BMI’s Jody Williams.

Pictured (L-R): EMI Nashville’s Mike Dungan, Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson, BMI songwriter Luke Laird, BMI songwriter Eric Church, Creative Nation’s Beth Laird, Universal Publishing’s Kent Earls, Little Louder Music’s Whitney Parker, BMI’s Jody Williams.

Bobby Karl Works ‘MusicRow’s’ Rising Women On The Row Breakfast

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Rising Women on the Row honorees

(L-R): MusicRow‘s Sarah Skates with Rising Women on the Row honorees Kele Currier, Tiffany Dunn, Dawn Gates, Jensen Sussman and Lou Taylor, and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson

All photos by Bev Moser’s Moments By Moser.

Chapter 485

This year’s edition of MusicRow’s “Rising Women on the Row” breakfast gala raised the bar in every department.

Staged in the classy Omini Hotel ballroom on Tuesday morning (March 24), the event set a new attendance record with more than 310 celebrants on hand. The entertainment, by precocious East Tennessee singer-songwriter Emi Sunshine, was a revelation. The honorees’ speeches were the most uplifting and professional that they’ve ever been. The Omni’s food, sound system, wait staff and overall hospitality were all beyond excellent.

Sherod Robertson and special guest speaker CMT's Leslie Fram

Special guest speaker CMT’s Leslie Fram (L) with Sherod Robertson

“This is our 4th year, and once again we are sold out,” said MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson in greeting the attendees. “So thank you for coming to celebrate. This is an event to honor women in the music industry who kick ass!”

This year’s guest inspirational speaker was CMT executive Leslie Fram. Her Q&A with Sherod was full of pithy observations.

“First of all, you have to believe in yourself,” she told the crowd. “I am positive that this is going to be a great year for women.” Leslie launched the network’s “Next Women of Country” franchise to promote and empower female artists.

Sarah Skates, Kele Currier and Sherod Robertson

Kele Currier accepts her honor from Sarah Skates and Sherod Robertson

One conventional country radio industry bit of “wisdom” is, “Women don’t want to hear other women.”

“None of that is true,” asserted Leslie. “We’re the ones who have to change the conversation,” she added, pointing out how female-driven the pop charts are.

“I think it’s important to give back, to mentor,” she added. “Be impeccable in your words. Explore all your passions. Believe in your intuitions.”

Tiffany Dunn RWOTR 15

Sarah Skates, Tiffany Dunn and Sherod Robertson

Sherod then presented this year’s five Rising Women honorees. Kele Currier of ASCAP noted that she returned to the work force after being a stay-at-home mom. “Who knew that old dough can rise?” she joked. “I love America. I really appreciate this opportunity.”

Tiffany Dunn of Loeb & Loeb said, “I’m honored to get to work with creative people every day of my life. I definitely believe this is a team sport. This is not a job—this is a lifestyle.”

Dawn Gates accepts her honor.

Dawn Gates accepts her honor.

“It’s an honor to be recognized, especially because there are so many women I work with who are just as deserving as I am,” said UMG’s Dawn Gates.

Honoree Jensen Sussman of Sweet Talk Publicity noted that she is a breast cancer survivor, hence her co-founding of Women Rock for the Cure. “This is such an amazing honor,” she added. “You’re all so amazingly strong and fearless and confident. So I thank all of you.”

Honoree Jensen Sussman

Honoree Jensen Sussman

Lou Taylor of Tri-Star Sports & Entertainment began her acceptance speech by asking her entire staff to stand—all three banquet tables’ worth. “I’m the one who’s talking, but they do all the work,” she said. “I am nothing without them.

“I love and respect all of the women I work with. I am most proud of having created a [work] culture where the only ceiling that exists is the one on the second floor.”

All five women received commemorative plaques as well as gifts from Tiffany’s, courtesy of presenting sponsor City National Bank.

Skates (L) and Robertson (R) with Lou Taylor

Honoree Lou Taylor with Sarah Skates and Sherod Robertson

“I am proud to say I am an early adopter of this new talent, and I want you to be an early adopter, too,” said Sherod as he brought on Emi Sunshine. The singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is 10 years old, but conducted herself with the poise of a grown-up.

She led an acoustic band on her co-written old-timey waltz about facing death, “Carry Me Home,” then strummed the acoustic gem “Sweet Lilly.” She told Robertson that her influences were Julie Miller, June Carter Cash and Dolly Parton, the last of whom she does resemble as a child star. She concluded her set with the bluesy, rollicking “I Am Who I Am.”

Emi Sunshine

Emi Sunshine

The crowd was clearly stunned and erupted in applause.

Debbie Carroll, LeAnn Phelan, Beverly Keel, Holly Bell, Erika Wollam-Nichols, Shawn Williams, Brandi Simms, Lori Badgett, Martha Moore, Caryl Healy, Lisa Harless, Claire Cook and Diane Pearson were among those in the cheering section.

This female-centric honors event attracts many top male executives as well. Tom Lord, Woody Bomar, Mike Dungan, Kevin Lamb, Neal Spielberg, Todd Cassetty, Clay Bradley, Michael Martin, Dale Bobo and Tim Fink were clapping just as loudly as their distaff counterparts.

“Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to honor you,” said Robertson in bidding the crowd adieu.
Sherod RWOTR15b

Bobby Karl Works The Tin Pan South Preview Party

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Chapter 484

Pictured (L-R): Bart Herbison, NSAI; Lisa Harless, Regions Bank, songwriter Bobby Tomberlin

Pictured (L-R): Bart Herbison, NSAI; Lisa Harless, Regions Bank, songwriter Bobby Tomberlin. Photo: Moments By Moser

Perhaps the most underrated party of the year is the one that annually kicks off the Tin Pan South festival.

Those of you who do not attend are missing one of Music Row’s great “hangs.” This soiree has it all. The bar isn’t crowded. The drinks are free. The food is super. The guest list is full of songwriters. What’s not to love?

It also gets points for being a world-class schmoozefest. Because it isn’t overly crowded, Bobby Karl can really work this room.

This year’s Tin Pan South launch party took place in the Regions Bank lobby at the Roundabout on Monday evening (March 23).

Jimbeau Hinson, James Dean Hicks, new pop showcaser Lara Johnston, Rich Fagan, Harry Stinson, Matt Warren, Steve Bogard and country newcomers Brit Willson and Mignon Grabois were among the music makers partaking of all the gratis goodies.

TPS Danielle Peck; songwriters Greg Friia and Joie Scott

Pictured (L-R): Danielle Peck; songwriters Greg Friia and Joie Scott. Photos: Moments By Moser

Larry Weiss reports that he is working on a “Rhinestone Cowboy” musical. Nashville Opera CEO John Hoomes was thrilled to be mingling with hit writers. Veteran hunk Bernie Nelson is en route to Ireland, where his Blue CD is getting mucho airplay. “Wait until they find out I don’t have a 32-inch waist,” he quipped.

Marc-Alan Barnette is performing with Jimbeau Hinson, Paul Jefferson and Lisa Brokop billed as “a trip down memory lane.” “It’s rough when you’re now the veteran,” he moaned.

“I hate it when they start calling you ‘Mister,’” I commiserated.

Ole honchos John Ozier and Randall Foster were celebrating their publishing company’s ongoing expansion. Dave Pacula was eager for the conventioneers to see and hear his Black River artist Kelsea Ballerini.

John Briggs, Wayne Halper, Tammy Ragusa, Scott Johnson, Kira Florita Hilley, Craig Campbell, Doak Turner, Sherrill Blackmon, Writer’s Den Music’s Bobby Rymer, Chuck Whiting, Jerry Crutchfield, Preshus Tomes, Hank Adam Locklin, Randy Perkins, Kate Richardson, Blake Chancey, D. Brett Holladay, Brad Peterson, Roger Nichols, Vernell Hackett and Butch Baker were working the room like the pros they are.

Pictured (L-R): Erika Wollam Nichols, NSAI; Steve Bogard; Beverly Bogard; Karen Turley, NSAI Liverpool exchange writer.

Pictured (L-R): Erika Wollam Nichols, NSAI; Steve Bogard; Beverly Bogard; Karen Turley, NSAI Liverpool exchange writer. Photos: Moments By Moser

“I just want to be known as a ‘fabulon,’” said Chris Keaton. “That’s my life’s ambition.” Consider it done.

The cocktail supper was catered by Maggiano’s Little Italy, and you can’t quibble with that. Chicken pesto sliders, cucumber slices with herb cheese, tomato caprese skewers, pulled pork sliders, miniature meatballs (“miniature” being relative, since this was plus-portioned Maggiano’s), veggie slices and artesan cheeses were on hand, as was a dessert station of cookies, gelato and other delights.

Host Lisa Harless glided through, catching admiring glances with her mix of silver-and-turquoise jewelry and snug designer jeans. The NSAI’s Bart Herbison, Erika Wollam-Nichols and Jennifer Turnbow greeted one and all.

Pictured (L-R): Tin Pan South sponsor Peter Nesbitt of Matchless Transportation on a Regions cruiser bike

Pictured (L-R): Tin Pan South sponsor Peter Nesbitt of Matchless Transportation on a Regions cruiser bike. Photos: Moments By Moser

They are justfiably proud of their week of stunning songwriter events. Not only is this party a bona fide bonanza, the whole Tin Pan South fest is. The clubs participating are B.B. King’s, the Blue Bar, the Bluebird Café, the Commodore Grill, Douglas Corner, the Hard Rock, the Listening Room, the Station Inn, the Sutler and 3rd & Lindsley. Among the more than 350 (!) folks you can catch in these 10 Music City clubs on Tuesday through Saturday are Gordon Kennedy, Chuck Wicks, Jeff Stevens, Karen Staley, Michael Martin Murphey, Alan Rhody, Kim Williams, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Kye Fleming, John Oates, Victoria Shaw, Lori McKenna, Hugh Prestwood, Even Stevens, Gary Burr, Georgia Middleman, Don Henry, Gabe Dixon, Benita Hill, Colin Linden, Mark D. Sanders, Rob Crosby and Allen Shamblin.

Plus Gary Morris, Linda Davis, Lang Scott, Rebeca Lynn Howard, Will Hoge, Angaleena Presley, Lance Miller, RaeLynn, Josh Leo, Stephanie Bentley, James Otto, Tony Lane, Jessi Alexander, Barry Dean, Paul Overstreet, Ray Scott, Jeannie Seely, Leslie Satcher, John Scott Sherrill, Ella Mae Bowen, Lee Roy Parnell, Mac Davis, Larry Gatlin, Billy Montana, Kevin Kadish, Roger Cook, Brandy Clark, Charlie Worsham, Bill Anderson and Shane McAnally.

Be there or be square.

Matthew West, Ben Glover, David Garcia Take Home ASCAP Christian Honors

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Co-Songwriters of the Year David Garcia (L) and Ben Glover (R) with ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams.

Co-Songwriters of the Year David Garcia (L) and Ben Glover (R) with ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams. Photo: Ed Rode

The ASCAP Christian Music Awards recognized a star-studded lineup of artists, publishers, and songwriters last night (March 23) at The Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tenn.

ASCAP Nashville’s Michael Martin, LeAnn Phelan, Kele Currier, as well as ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams, and EVP of Membership John Titta, were among those who honored the year’s most performed CCM songs from the PRO. Martin is also a Gospel Music Association board member.

After an emotional rendition of “The Maker” from Chris August to help kick off the evening, Williams welcomed a mix of writers, artists, and industry members. He also reiterated his belief in the fight that songwriters and PROs are making to change the restraints caused by outdated consent decrees.

“There is no reason why American songwriters are the most regulated small businessmen in the world. Applause is good but applause doesn’t feed the babies. We are fighting for all of you,” Williams said.

The evening’s attendees and participants included Francesca Battistelli, Ryan Stevenson and Love & The Outcome, who served as guest presenters, as well as ASCAP board member Desmond Child, for King & Country, Jason Gray, ASCAP board member Wayland Holyfield, Unspoken, and more.

Matthew West ASCAP

Matthew West accepts the Christian Music Songwriter-Artist of the Year honor. Photo: Ed Rode

Matthew West, who was named ASCAP’s Christian Music Songwriter of the Year last year, earned the title of Christian Music Songwriter-Artist of the Year during last night’s festivities. This marks West’s second Songwriter-Artist of the Year honor. He also earned three ASCAP most-performed song honors, for his own single, “Do Something,” as well as for “Pushing Back the Dark” (recorded by Josh Wilson) and “Thrive” (Casting Crowns). Last year, West took home the ASCAP Christian Music Song of the Year honor for his own hit single, “Hello My Name Is.”

“I started out with a mission to reach the lost,” West told the crowd after accepting the Songwriter-Artist of the Year honor. “I’ve come full circle because I get to play each night and sometimes it is singing to the choir, but it’s a broken choir. All of these songs are speaking life and truth to a broken choir.” He recalled reading the book Letters To A Young Poet, by Rainer Maria Rilke. “The challenge in the book is an older poet talking to a younger poet, and he’s trying find out why the younger poet wants to write. The older poet tells him he writes because he is compelled to write, because life to him is not the same without it. As songwriters, we write because we must write.”

Capitol CMG was named Publisher of the Year for the the 13th consecutive year. The publishing company notched numerous hits over the past year, including nine award-winning songs, “Back to You,” “I Am,” “Speak Life,” “All The People Said Amen,” “My Heart Is Yours,” “Your Grace Finds Me,” “Holding Nothing Back,” “Greater,” and “Write Your Story.” Capitol CMG Executive Vice President Casey McGinty and his team were on hand to accept the award.

Bethel Music’s Joel Taylor and Josh Farro, writer of Song of the Year, “This Is Amazing Grace."

Bethel Music’s Joel Taylor and Josh Farro, writer of Song of the Year, “This Is Amazing Grace.” Photo: Ed Rode

Song of the Year went to “This Is Amazing Grace,” penned by Phil Wickham, Josh Farro and Jeremy Riddle, and performed by Phil Wickham.

Ben Glover and David Garcia tied for ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter of the Year honors. The co-writing and co-producing duo also earned ASCAP most-performed song awards for Francesca Battistelli’s “Write Your Story,” Mandisa’s “Back to You” and Mercy Me’s “Greater.” Garcia celebrated his first Songwriter of the Year Award, while Glover claimed his fourth. The two previously co-wrote and produced Mandisa’s 2013 Grammy Award-winning single “Overcomer” and have more than 30 chart-topping hits between them.

Performances during the event included acoustic renditions from songwriters Travis Ryan and Matt Hooper (“We Believe”), Josh Farro (“This Is Amazing Grace”), Ryan Stevenson (“Speak Life”), and Hillsong United’s Matt Crocker and Jad Gillies (“Oceans”).

Hillsong UNITED’s Matt Crocker and Jad Gillies perform “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)."

Hillsong UNITED’s Matt Crocker and Jad Gillies perform “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail).” Photo: Ed Rode

Chris August opens the ASCAP Christian Music Awards.

Chris August opens the ASCAP Christian Music Awards. Photo: Ed Rode

 

Warner/Chappell Music Adds Singer/Songwriter David Cook To Roster

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Pictured, Front Row: Alicia Pruitt (WC), Michelle Young (Manager), David Cook, Travis Carter (WC), Blain Rhodes (WC). Back Row: Matt Michiels (WC), Phil May (WC), Ben Vaughn (WC), Ryan Beuschel (WC), BJ Hill (WC)

Pictured, Front Row: Alicia Pruitt (WC), Michelle Young (Manager), David Cook, Travis Carter (WC), Blain Rhodes (WC). Back Row: Matt Michiels (WC), Phil May (WC), Ben Vaughn (WC), Ryan Beuschel (WC), BJ Hill (WC)

Warner/Chappell Music (WCM), the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with singer/songwriter David Cook. Following a successful run on the seventh season of American Idol, Cook’s self-titled, platinum-selling debut album reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and notched two Top 20 singles.

“I’m excited to get involved with Warner/Chappell and work with some of the best songwriters in the industry,” said Cook. “It’s an honor to be a part of the roster and I’m looking forward to furthering my songwriting career with them.”

Ben Vaughn, Executive Vice President, Warner/Chappell Music Nashville, said, “David brings so much to the table with his diversity as a songwriter and a voice that makes you stop and pay attention. We’re looking forward to supporting him as his career continues to grow.”

Cook’s second album, This Loud Morning, debuted in the top ten. In 2012, Cook relocated to Nashville, Tenn., where he is currently working on music for his new album. In addition to his own music, Cook recently co-wrote the 2014 top 20 country radio single “Kiss You Tonight,” recorded by David Nail.