List Reveals ‘Billboard’ Top Music Power Players for TV

BillboardBillboard released its first-ever TV’s Top Music Power Players list today (Sept. 17), and many included are Nashville-affiliated.

“As recorded-music sales continue to sputter, the impact of a high-profile TV spot has never been greater,” notes the Billboard staff in the announcement. “From halftime shows to primetime synchs, these executives, showrunners, bookers and supervisors can make — or break — an artist’s song and career.”

Among the talent are the ACM Award show’s Bob Romeo (CEO, Academy of Country Music) and R.A. Clark (Executive producer, Academy of Country Music Awards), as well as CMA Award show’s Robert Deaton (Executive producer, Country Music Association Awards).

CMT’s Brian Philips (President) and Leslie Fram (Senior vp music and talent) are joined by parent company Viacom’s Executive vp music and ­multiplatform strategy, Viacom Music & Entertainment Group, Erik Flannigan.

For networks, Dawn Soler (Senior vp music, ABC) has been involved in the Nashville TV shows and the ABC Music Lounge website.

Signings: Absolute Publicity, SESAC, HoriPro

Absolute Publicity Signs James Robert Webb

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James Robert Webb

Bison Creek Records artist James Robert Webb has teamed with Absolute Publicity for exclusive public relations representation.

“I’m thrilled to be signing with Absolute Publicity during a time my fan base is growing and my music is reaching more and more people,” says Webb. “I strive to create music with broad appeal that stands the test of time, so it’s an honor to be among the roster of legendary country artists that Absolute Publicity represents. I look forward to living up to the name that Absolute represents.”

Absolute Publicity also represents Aaron Tippin, Bellamy Brothers, Billy Dean, Ricky Skaggs, Sammy Kershaw, Mel Tillis, Ray Stevens, Pam Tillis, and Restless Heart, among others.

Webb’s current single is “Makin’ Love Tonight.” For more information, visit jamesrobertwebb.com.

 

SESAC Signs George Clinton

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George Clinton

George Clinton, primary architect of the P-Funk movement and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has inked a deal with SESAC.

“There’s no disputing that George Clinton is one of the most unique musicians of the past four decades. His creative genius has informed multiple generations of music lovers and he has left an indelible mark on the international music scene. We are incredibly proud to welcome Mr. Clinton to our SESAC family,”’ said John Josephson, chairman and CEO, SESAC.

“Me and SESAC are a good match,” Clinton says. “I’ve never been satisfied doing the same ole thing over and over. You need to look for new ways to do things, make the most of a situation or a copyright, in this case. And that’s why I am excited to be a partner with SESAC.  I like that they take charge of this business, making things happen for their songwriters and publishers.”

Clinton has recorded 19 albums since the 1970s, and has had radio singles including “Atomic Dog,” “Last Dance,” “Nubian Nut,” and “Do Fries Go With That Shake.”

 

HoriPro Adds Brinley Addington

HoriPro has signed new singer/songwriter Brinley Addington to a worldwide deal, that includes his last year and a half of unpublished songs.

Addington has released two independent albums, with his last album Middle Of Nowhere released in 2014. He has opened shows for Florida Georgia Line, Josh Turner, Tyler Farr, Thomas Rhett, and others. Addington is booked by William Morris.

 Pictured (L-R): Matt Cottingham (Ritholz Levy), Tim Stehli (HoriPro Entertainment Group), Michael O'Neill (BMI), Brinley Addington, Lee Krabel (HoriPro Entertainment Group), Courtney Crist (HoriPro Entertainment Group), Butch Baker (HoriPro Entertainment Group), Bradley Collins (BMI)

Pictured (L-R): Matt Cottingham (Ritholz Levy), Tim Stehli (HoriPro Entertainment Group), Michael O’Neill (BMI), Brinley Addington, Lee Krabel (HoriPro Entertainment Group), Courtney Crist (HoriPro Entertainment Group), Butch Baker (HoriPro Entertainment Group), Bradley Collins (BMI)

No. 1 Party: Keith Urban’s “Raise ‘Em Up”

Pictured (L-R): (Back Row) 3 Ring Circus’ Casey LeVasseur and Darrell Franklin, Sony/ATV’s Abbey Adams, ASCAP’s Robert Filhart, producer Nathan Chapman, Universal’s Mike Dungan, BMI’s Jody Williams and Bradley Collins. (Front Row) BMI songwriter Jeffrey Steele, ASCAP songwriter Jaren Johnston, BMI affiliate Keith Urban, BMI songwriter Tom Douglas.

Pictured (L-R): (Back Row) 3 Ring Circus’ Casey LeVasseur and Darrell Franklin, Sony/ATV’s Abbey Adams, ASCAP’s Robert Filhart, producer Nathan Chapman, Universal’s Mike Dungan, BMI’s Jody Williams and Bradley Collins. (Front Row) BMI songwriter Jeffrey Steele, ASCAP songwriter Jaren Johnston, BMI affiliate Keith Urban, BMI songwriter Tom Douglas.

Music Row execs raised ’em up for Keith Urban last night (Sept. 16) at the Sutler Saloon as he celebrated his 18th No. 1 hit song. Co-hosted by BMI and ASCAP, the event celebrated the Musical Event of the Year CMA-nominated song and began the party with Urban playing a special performance of “Raise ‘Em Up” with co-writers Tom Douglas, Jeffrey Steele, Jaren Johnston, and producer Nathan Chapman.

BMI’s Jody Williams praised the co-writers, Urban and Eric Church on “creating one of the most memorable musical moments of 2015” and proclaimed Urban’s eighth album Fuse as the best and most progressive work of his career. He took time to applaud Urban’s accomplishments in giving back to the community. “I never miss an opportunity to mention how generous Keith is with his All For The Hall Benefit Concert. That effort has now raised over 2.5 millions dollars. Keith you are a blessing to the Nashville community.” He also congratulated Douglas on his eighth No. 1 hit and Jeffrey Steele on his eleventh No. 1.

Robert Filhart of ASCAP spoke of Johnston’s incredible work ethic to spend more than 300 days on the road and still find time to write hit songs such as this, celebrating Johnston’s sixth No. 1 hit.

Sony/ATV’s Abbey Adams took time to thank the entire Universal promotion team as well as a special thanks to Chapman for his time and passion he put into this song. “You had a special vision for this song and created a sonic masterpiece with Keith and Eric.” She also praised the songwriters on their craft. “It reminded me why a lot of us get into this business, and it’s for the music that moves us. It takes an amazing talent to write a song that can touch us and take us back to another time in our life. Thank you for sharing this with the world.”

3 Ring Circus’ Darrell Franklin and Casey Levasseur thanked Capitol and announced a special donation to the Integrative Life Center in each of the writer’s names.

Universal Music Group Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan spoke of how captivating and moving “Raise ‘Em Up” was for him. “I remember the first time I head this song and I was just frozen with this emotion I felt coming out of these lyrics and this groove. What an incredible statement about this shared spirit that all of us in America and the world hope to have.”

Ron Cox of Avenue Bank announced a proud contribution to the Alex LeVasseur Fund and CMA’s Brandi Simms presented the official No. 1 medallions and gave a special congratulations to Keith on his CMA nomination.

Holly Lane of the CRB was thrilled to announce that as of today, the song has reached a total of 797 million people through country radio. “I don’t think there’s any more dynamic and creative performers than Keith and Eric in the genre today and country fans love it.”

Pictured (L-R): Jeffrey Steele, Jaren Johnston, Keith Urban, Tom Douglas

Pictured (L-R): Jeffrey Steele, Jaren Johnston, Keith Urban, Tom Douglas

Church, who was not in attendance, provided a short video clip expressing his gratitude. “Keith, thank you for having me on this song, you absolutely did not need me on this song and I’m glad you wanted me on it. I’m very proud of it. Thank you to Tom, Jeffrey and Jaren, as a songwriter I recognize a great song, and that’s a great one. Especially thank you to Tom and Jeffrey for writing with Jaren, and keeping him off the streets. That’s always good help for society.”

Johnston, who exclaimed he’s been in five states in the last 15 hours, proudly thanked his co-writers on giving country music what it’s missing these days, that one lyric that hits you and turns the knife. “They say that parents love all their kids the same amount. I would say that’s bull shit. I love this baby a lot more than the other songs I’ve written, and I’m really proud of it.”

Douglas gave a special thanks to his wife, “I like to create things, my wife creates a life, so I can do what I love to do,” as well as a special thanks to the Sony family and the Universal promotion team.

Steele praised Urban for his correspondence on the song, and expressed what this song means to him. “To be a good songwriter you have to live, and these last few years I’ve lived.”

Lastly, Urban gave a special recognition to Justin Niebank and the late Mike Shipley for mixing the album. “Mike Shipley who was initially involved in starting the mix of this record, and didn’t get to fully finish the song the way we envisioned. My prayers go out to him and his family tonight.”

He also gave a loving shout out to wife, Nicole Kidman, who could not be in attendance, and discussed how much the song hit home with them. “It’s the most amazing feeling singing this song every night. Everybody is singling along and its the most beautiful thing because it’s why I do what I do.  I want to make a connection. I want everybody to feel a part of something, and just come together as one and not be separate over any issues or anything. Just be as one, in one moment. if we could all just collectively agree on one thing for three minutes, then its a beautiful thing.”

Google Fiber Commits To Satellite Communities in Nashville

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Google Fiber has committed to satellite communities in the greater Nashville area. Initial communities include Oak Hill, Forest Hills, Belle Meade, and Berry Hill.

Google Fiber is up to 10x faster than what most American households employ.

Other cities slated to receive the service include Atlanta, Charlotte, and Raleigh-Durham. Five other metro areas are remain in the running.

Kansas City, Mo. and Kansas City, Kan., became the test bed for Google Fiber back in 2013. Google Fiber provides Gigabit internet in Kansas City (up to 1 gigabit upload and download speeds) for $70/month. Basic internet (up to 5 Mbps download &1 Mbps upload speeds) is free, with an installation fee of $300.

News that Google Fiber would be coming to Nashville was made official in January 2015.

GrassRoots Promotion Launches Imprint, Adds Tomalty

Jill Tomalty

Jill Tomalty

GrassRoots Promotion has added 18-year country and Christian marketing and promotion exec Jill Tomalty to lead its new imprint, GrapeVine Promotion. Grapevine will focus on small market radio promotion, as well as blog and streaming promotion, along with project management and consulting.

Tomalty most recently served as Director of Marketing at Provident Label Group (Sony). Her career stops also include Director of Regional Promotion at Flying Island Entertainment, Director of Brand Management at Word Entertainment (Warner Music Group), and Promotion Director at Curb Records.

Grassroots Promotion, launched in 1996, will provide support services for GrapeVine Promotion’s staff. GrassRoots Promotion launched to focus on grassroots marketing informed by radio airplay.

GrassRoots Co-owner and Managing Partner Nancy Tunick said, ”We are excited about the opportunity to focus more comprehensively on each of our promotion clients and to add additional services with our new imprint GrapeVine Promotion. I have worked with Jill a number of times over the years, and I am thoroughly impressed with her knowledge, experience, abilities and enthusiasm for the artists and their music. We are a company that has been built around incredibly talented professionals, and we are excited to bring Jill into our culture and mission for serving our clients.”

Tomalty is in place at GrapeVine Promotion and can be reached at jill@grapevinepromotion.com or 615-300-3239.

Tim McGraw Says ‘Damn Country Music’ On Upcoming Album

McGraw posted this on Instagram.

McGraw posted an album artwork teaser on Instagram.

Tim McGraw will release a new album, Damn Country Music, Nov. 6 on Big Machine Records. His 14th studio album was produced by McGraw and trusted collaborator Byron Gallimore.

The first single from the project, “Top of the World,” is at radio now.

Both the standard and deluxe editions of Damn Country Music are available for pre-order at TimMcGraw.com along with several tiers of special packages. The deluxe version will feature three bonus tracks.

To McGraw, the album’s title track is reflective of the entire record’s tone and his musical journey thus far. “When I recorded ‘Damn Country Music,’ it was one of those electric moments. It speaks to a passion and being at a crossroads in your life when you make that decision to pursue it knowing you might pay a heavy price,” says McGraw.

McGraw has been busy on his Shotgun Rider tour, which wraps in Irvine, Calif. on Saturday night (Sept. 19).

The star is also acting in an upcoming film, The Shack, based on the best-selling book by the same name.

McGraw joins a growing list of major artists who will release projects in time for holiday shopping, including new music from Toby Keith and Carrie Underwood and a hits album from Blake Shelton.

Damn Country Music standard tracklist

Here Tonight (ft. Gracie McGraw)
Losin’ You
How I’ll Always Be
Damn Country Music
Love Runs
What You’re Lookin’ For
Top Of The World
Don’t Make Me Feel At Home
Want You Back
California (with Big & Rich)
Humble and Kind

Bonus tracks (deluxe edition)

Everybody’s Lookin’
Kiss A Girl
Country And Western

Songwriter Roundup: ASCAP, BMI, Cornman Music, Creative Nation

ASCAP Hosts Showcase Series at Bluebird Cafe

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Martin McDaniel, Raquel Cole, Alyssa Bonagura, Jeb Gipson and ASCAP's Ralph Murphy.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Martin McDaniel, Raquel Cole, Alyssa Bonagura, Jeb Gipson and ASCAP’s Ralph Murphy.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) hosted the September installment of its long-running showcase series at The Bluebird Cafe on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The “in the row” showcase on the Bluebird stage featured ASCAP songwriters Alyssa Bonagura, Jeb Gipson, Martin McDaniel and Raquel Cole, who celebrated her first performance at Nashville’s historic listening room. 

 

BMI’s Trapped Above Ground Showcase Tributes Pilgrimage Music Festival

AcmePilgrimage

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mason Hunter, Better Than Ezra member and Pilgrimage Festival founder Kevin Griffin, BMI songwriter Jake Nawas, BMI songwriter Guthrie Trapp, SunTrust’s Andrew Kintz and Dusty Miller, Pilgrimage Festival founder Brandt Wood and BMI songwriter Guthrie Brown.

BMI’s weekly Trapped Above Ground showcase at the Acme turned into a special sneak peek of the BMI-sponsored Pilgrimage Music Festival, to be held Sept. 26 and 27. Partnered with SunTrust Bank and HDRadio, the iteration of the showcase highlighted acts playing on the inaugural festival stages.

Guthrie Trapp and the Mulekickers band welcomed Guthrie Brown, of Guthrie Brown and the Family Tree, Better Than Ezra member and Pilgrimage Festival founder Kevin Griffin and NAWAS to the stage, each highlighting their unique sound. For more information on the festival, go to www.pilgrimagefestival.com.

 

Cornman Music Writers Team To Benefit Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital

Screen Shot 2015-09-17 at 9.58.58 AMCornman Music songwriters will rally for an intimate evening of music performances, to benefit Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Brett James, Erik Dylan, Caitlyn Smith, Josh Mirenda, and Steven Lee Olsen will be joined by Jimmy Robbins and Leah Turner.

The event will be held Sept. 29 at B.B. King’s Blues Club, beginning at 7 p.m. VIP tickets are $30, and include seating close to the stage, valet parking, and two drink tickets. Music City Cat seating is $10. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com.

 

Creative Nation Holds Benefit For Preston Taylor Ministries

Photo (Left to Right): Lori McKenna (CN), Steve Moakler (CN), Barry Dean (CN), Luke Laird (CN), Maggie Chapman (CN), Sara Horton (PTM Advancement Director), Chan Sheppard (PTM Executive Director), Beth Laird (CN CEO), Natalie Hemby (CN), Scott Stevens (LA writer/producer), Native Run's Bryan Dawley and Rachel Beauregard (CN). Photo: Spencer Combs

Photo (Left to Right): Lori McKenna (CN), Steve Moakler (CN), Barry Dean (CN), Luke Laird (CN), Maggie Chapman (CN), Sara Horton (PTM Advancement Director), Chan Sheppard (PTM Executive Director), Beth Laird (CN CEO), Natalie Hemby (CN), Scott Stevens (LA writer/producer), Native Run’s Bryan Dawley and Rachel Beauregard (CN).
Photo: Spencer Combs

It was a full house both on stage and off at last night’s Creative Nation show in honor of Nashville non-profit, Preston Taylor Ministries (PTM). The annual Creative Nation event sold out The Listening Room Cafe and raised over $8,000 for PTM.
The evening included music and stories from the Creative Nation roster – Luke Laird, Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby, Lori McKenna, Maggie Chapman, Native Run and Steve Moakler. Natalie Hemby and LA writer/producer Scott Stevens were joined by some of the PTM students for a special performance of Hemby and Stevens’ original song, “Emerald City.”

Artist Updates: Willie Nelson, Cam, Jana Kramer, Cassadee Pope, Brian Collins

Willie’s Reserve Gets Investor

unnamedWillie Nelson and Tuatara Capital, L.P. have entered into a partnership to establish Willie’s Reserve, a premium cannabis lifestyle brand. Tuatara Capital will lead an investor group that is financing the development of music legend Nelson’s cannabis brand. Founded in 2014, Tuatara Capital is a specialized alternative investment manager focused on supporting high-growth companies in the legal cannabis industry.

The investor group led by Tuatara Capital shares Willie Nelson’s passion and vision for the cannabis category.

“I hear stories from people across the country about how the end of marijuana prohibition is improving their lives. Legal marijuana makes sense. Good business will prove it can work in America,” said Nelson.

The capital raised in this round will accelerate the development of Willie’s Reserve for the recreational markets in Colorado and Washington, and also other states as regulations allow.

 

Cam Added to Apple Music Festival in London
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Arista Nashville/RCA Records singer/songwriter Cam has been announced to perform at this year’s Apple Music Festival in London. The festival, which takes place at London’s Roundhouse, will feature a performance by Cam on Sept. 21, with the evening headlined by Carrie Underwood. Apple will broadcast all performances to music fans around the world for free, live or on-demand via Apple Music and in HD with Apple TV.

With the news, Cam shared, “I’ve been hearing from fans in the UK all year over social media and I’ve been looking for a chance to get over there to play for them.  What an incredible opportunity to make my UK debut at Apple Music Festival!”

 

Jana Kramer, Cassadee Pope Team With CMA, Colgate Optic White

Jana Kramer

Jana Kramer

For the second year running, Colgate® Optic White® is teaming up with the Country Music Association (CMA) to give fans an insider look at the glamour and excitement around “The 49(th) Annual CMA Awards” taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Fans will get behind-the-scenes content from Kramer and Pope leading up to the 2015 CMA Awards, including Periscope activations in the weeks before the awards, and a co-hosted live Twitter chat with Pope on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Jana Kramer and Cassadee Pope will share red carpet tips via Twitter, at @OpticWhite, @CountryMusic, @KramerGirl and @CassadeePope.

“When it comes to life’s big moments, the first step to feeling your best is a beautiful smile,” said Kramer. “You can always swap out your shoes or your dress, but your smile is what makes it memorable.”

“The CMA Awards are such an incredible evening for the Country Music community,” said Pope. “I’m thrilled to share in the energy and excitement with our fans!”

 

Brian Collins Launches Shine A Little Love Festival

Shine A Little Love FestivalEmerging singer-songwriter Brian Collins has launched the Shine A Little Love Festival. Inspired by his current single, “Shine A Little Love,” the festival will take place Oct. 23-24 at Florida’s popular beach destination 30A and will bring along with it an all-star lineup.

Proceeds from this festival will help to ‘Shine Love’ on the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and Wesley Burnham Foundation who both work tirelessly to ‘Shine Love’ on others. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased HERE.

The lineup includes hit songwriters Wynn Varble (Brad Paisley, Daryl Worley, Easton Corbin), Travis Meadows (Dierks Bentley, Jake Owen, Eric Church) and John Driskell Hopkins of Zac Brown Band. Also performing during the weekend are The Best Brothers Band, MAGNO, Casey Twist and Paige Logan of country music duo, North 40. Serving as host and creator of the festival, Collins will also treat the ticket holders to performances both nights.

Bobby Karl Works The Americana Music Awards

Americana Awards

PIctured (clockwise, L-R): Rhiannon Giddens, Lee Ann Womack, Houndmouth, Don Henley, Lucinda Williams.

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 505

The cornucopia of music that was the Americana Music Awards is a memory that will linger far longer than the awards, themselves.

Staged at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday (Sept. 16) before a sold-out crowd, the 14th annual AMA gig showcased gospel, bluegrass, rock, folk, blues, country and more during its three-and-a-half hour (!) event. Lucinda Williams (album), The Mavericks (group), John Leventhal (instrumentalist) and Shakey Graves (emerging artist) picked up trophies.

The only two-time winner was Sturgill Simpson (song, artist of the year). He was not present. Lifetime Achievement honors went to Los Lobos (performance), Ricky Skaggs (instrumentalist), Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings (songwriting), Don Henley (Trailblazer) and Buffy Sainte-Marie (Free Speech in Music).

But it’s not the honors we have in our mental scrapbooks. It’s the performances.

Sacred-steel master Robert Randolph, The Fairfield Four and The McCrary Sisters kicked off the show with a thrilling, rafter-raising “Rock My Soul.” Lee Ann Womack was wailing and soulful on “Don’t Listen to the Wind.” Austin’s Shakey Graves, featuring Esme Patterson, delivered a propulsive, acoustic “Dearly Departed.”

Host for the evening Jim Lauderdale performs during the 2015 Americana Music Awards.

Host for the evening Jim Lauderdale performs during the 2015 Americana Music Awards.

John Hiatt performed a moody and dreamily melodic “Long Time Comin’” with the awesome Ry Cooder in support. Keb’ Mo’ provided a tribute to the late B.B. King on the date of what would have been the blues legend’s 90th birthday. Rhiannon Giddens was riveting and super intense on “Round About the Mountain,” which drew a standing ovation. Stepping away from The Carolina Chocolate Drops has allowed her to really come forward as a vocalist.

Nattily attired Doug Seegers gave the lilting melody of “Angie’s Song” a piercing yet hypnotic reading. My pets The Lone Bellow were fiery and soulful. Host Jim Lauderdale was churning and dramatic.

Los Lobos rocked the joint with a chiming, jangling version of “Will the Wolf Survive.” Nikki Lane was a honky-tonk angel on “Right Time.” The Mavericks enthralled us with a richly textured and throbbing “Pardon Me,” complete with horns.

“I think everybody’s in shock,” said lead singer Raul Malo when the band won its award. “Holy s—t, we won something! We’re proud to support Americana and all of the great music that’s played here tonight.”

Rhiannon Giddens

Rhiannon Giddens

Bandleader Buddy Miller honored Hank Williams with a poetic and spiritual “Cold, Cold Heart,” accompanied by the ethereal guitar of Marc Ribot. Last year’s big winner, Jason Isbell, was punchy and plaintive with “Something More Than Free.” Lucinda Williams was sublimely rolling and drawling on “East Side of Town.”

One of the few duds of the night was the dirge-like “Short Haired Woman Blues” by The Dave Rawlings Machine. In its defense, the crowd loved it. I also could have done without the rather flat “My Cousin Greg” by Houndmouth.

On the other hand, Ricky Skaggs, Ry Cooder and The Whites were hair raising and electrifying on the gospel classic “Over in the Glory Land.” At age 84, papa Buck White was smokin’ on the 88’s alongside such aces and Skaggs and Cooder. I love him.

“He is the most awesome mandolin player on the planet,” said award presenter Cooder. “I’m so thankful,” said Skaggs. “The Lord has put so many great people in my life, all my life. I’m so blessed. I could not be the musician that I am and the man that I’ve become without my wife of 34 years, Sharon White.”

Rodney Crowell presented the Trailblazer Award to Don Henley. “I am proud to be among you,” said Henley. “I am so honored to be in this hallowed house tonight. It’s been an honor and a privilege to record in this town these past several years. And I hope to do more.”

Ry Cooder and Ricky Skaggs.

Ricky Skaggs is honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award as an instrumentalist, presented by Ry Cooder.

He dedicated the new “Praying for Rain” to America’s small family farmers and to the westerners suffering from wildfires. Molly Felder of Swan Dive sang backup, as she does on Henley’s forthcoming Cass County CD on which the tune appears.

“Thank you for even having such a thing,” said Buffy Sainte-Marie when being presented with the Free Speech award from Ken Paulson and Steppenwolf’s John Kay. “I’ve had a great life,” including an Oscar for writing “Up Where We Belong” and several seasons on Sesame Street. She sang the eternally relevant “Universal Soldier.”

The event’s finale was a rousing, rocking, celebratory rendition of “One Night, One Time in America,” an old Los Lobos favorite.

Presenters included Rosanne Cash, Mary Gauthier, Mike Farris, The Milk Carton Kids, new Nashvillian Robyn Hitchcock, Sean & Sara Watkins, Jed Hilly, Rob Bleetstein and Jon Grimson.

Working the room were such fabulons as Jon Freeman, John Lomax III, Jon Bream, Jewly Hight, James Burton, Geoff Himes, Jeremy Tepper, Jim Casey, Barry Mazor, Larry Nager, Tony Brown, Al Moss, Lucas Hendrickson, Craig Havighurst (who wrote the program bios), Luther Dickenson, Manuel, Dana Strong, Webb Wilder, Peter Cooper, Tamsin Austin (isn’t that a great name: she books country acts into performing arts centers and festivals in the U.K.), Tom Roland, Pat Embry, Doug Howard, Holly George Warren, Elijah Wald, Kristi Rose, Bullethead, Steve Lowry, Sherod Robertson and Eric Parker.

The awards were the kick-off event of the AmericanaFest. More than 200 artists of the genre will be showcasing over the next four days at 3rd & Lindsley, The High Watt, The 5 Spot, The Basement, The Basement East, The Cannery Ballroom, City Winery, The Listening Room, Mercy Lounge, The Station Inn and Third Man Records.

DISClaimer: Americana Takes Over Nashville

Dana Cooper

Dana Cooper

The annual Americana convention is upon us this week, so let’s listen to some of the genre’s current offerings.

As it should be, this stack of platters is dominated by singer-songwriters. The most outstanding of these are HoneyHoney, Dana Cooper, Joe Ely, Angela Easterling and Ted Russell Kamp.

Nashville veteran Cooper wins the Disc of the Day prize. Easterling captivated me and earned the DisCovery Award.

FAIRGROUND SAINTS/Can’t Control The Weather
Writers: Mason Van Valin; Producer: Matthew Wilder; Publisher: Van Valin, ASCAP; Verve (track)
-Sweet sounding, jaunty folk-pop featuring strumming guitars, bright horn bursts and sunny vocal harmonies. Trio is based in L.A.

TED RUSSELL KAMP/Boom Boom
Writers: Ted Russell Kamp/Jennifer Gibbons/John Schreffler; Producer: Ted Russell Kamp; Publishers: Terys the Silver/Peacock Choir/So Help Me, ASCAP; Pomo (track)
-He’s an in-demand bass player who has backed Shooter Jennings, Jessi Colter, Lee Roy Parnell, Tony Joe White and others. TRK also makes solo albums that get rave reviews, thanks to his gripping songwriting and raspy, soulful singing. His new one is titled The Low and Lonesome Sound. Like much of the collection, this track is stark and intimate, stripped down to just his heartbeat bass notes and drawling vocal. Ted will be playing all over town this week. He’s at The Tennessee Brew Works Thursday at 7 p.m., the East Side Performing Artists Co-op Friday at 2 p.m. and Drifters BBQ Friday at 9 p.m. You can also catch him playing bass with Calico at that band’s various showcases.

Angela Easterling

Angela Easterling

ANGELA EASTERLING/Hammer
Writers: Angela Easterling; Producers: Brandon Turner & Joe Pisapla; Publisher: De L’Est, ASCAP; De L’Est (track)
-This South Carolina singer-songwriter is surrounded by such Nashville talents as Will Kimbrough, Fats Kaplan and Joe Pisapia on her Common Law Wife CD. This loping, lead-off track shimmers with steel sighs and co-producer Brandon Turner’s soft harmony singing. Its lyrics were inspired by the late Pete Seeger. This lady has the goods, people.

JOE ELY/Wounded Creek
Writer: Joe Ely; Producer: Joe Ely; Publishers: Tornado Temple/BMG//Bumblebee, BMI; Rack ‘Em (track)
-The eternally great Joe Ely has a new collection called Panhandle Rambler. This is its dry, dusty first track, a story song of a ghostly roadside vision. You’ll hang on every line. The whole album is like that, evoking the desolation and solitude of his West Texas roots.

EMMYLOU HARRIS/Bury Me Beneath The Willow
Writers: traditional; Producer: Carl Jackson; Publisher: public domain; Legacy (track)
Orthophonic Joy is a double CD of performances reviving the songs recorded at the 1927 “Bristol Sessions” that are regarded as “the big bang” of country music. Perfectly produced by the esteemed Carl Jackson, it includes such talents as Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Jesse McReynolds, Marty Stuart, Dolly Parton, Ashley Monroe, Brad Paisley, Keb’ Mo’, Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow. Here, Emmylou is accompanied by lively autoharp strumming on a Carter Family classic. I could have done without the lengthy historical narration between the songs. But song for song, this fund raiser for the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a winner.

ANNE McCUE/Little White Cat
Writers: A. McCue; Producers: Anne McCue/Dusty Wakeman; Publishers: APRA; AM (track)
-I ran into this veteran Nashville folkie at a recent NARAS reception. Her latest is titled Blue Sky Thinkin’ and features this bopping, toe-tapping swing tune with the band answering her saucy vocals about a lucky day when a kitty crossed her path. The cast members — including Dave Pomeroy, Dave Alvin, Deanie Richardson, Jim Hoke and Dusty Wakeman — sound like they are having a ball. Anne’s Americana Convention showcase is at Douglas Corner on Thursday.

COLIN LINDEN/Rich in Love
Writers: Colin Linden/Janice Powers; Producer: The Rotting Matadors; Publishers: Colin Linden/Stony Plain/Button Moulder, SOCAN; Stony Plain (track)
-This electric-guitar great splits his time between Nashville and his Canadian homeland. The title tune of his latest album is an echoey ballad that moans the blues with a slow, simmering burn. He’s a soul man, for sure.

DANA COOPER/No Second Coming
Writers: Dana Cooper; Producers: Dana Cooper/Thomm Jutz; Publishers: Dog Eared/Bluewater, SESAC; DC (track)
-This Nashville singer-songwriter has been making great albums since 1973. His 25th one is just out. Titled Building a Human Being, it features this cool, lightly rocking tune wherein a fed-up Jesus informs us, “I’m not taking your calls anymore” and “I’m not bleeding for you again.” Kim Carnes and Sally Barris are among the groovy backing vocalists. Highly recommended.

STEVE RILEY & THE MAMOU PLAYBOYS/Au Revoir Grand Mamou
Writers: Steve Riley; Producers: Chris Stafford, Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys; Publisher: JSRII, BMI; SR (track)
-This Cajun accordion player and his band are celebrating their 25th anniversary of music making with a CD titled Voyageurs. It begins with the pulsing energy of this mid-tempo tune of saying bye-bye to your hometown. Go ahead. Get up and bop around the room.

HONEYHONEY/Father’s Daughter
Writers: Suzanne Santo/Ben Jaffe; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: none listed; Rounder (track)
-HoneyHoney showcases at the Americana Convention on Thursday at Mercy Lounge. The duo’s new CD is titled III. It includes this downbeat atmospheric meditation with a string section embellishing lead vocalist Santo’s penetrating, sultry, captivating, rangy and passionate vocal performance. They are former Nashvillians now based in L.A. who returned to Music City to record their third album. The thread running through it is extraordinary song craftsmanship. Essential listening.