Bobby Karl Works the BMI Country Awards

Pictured: (L-R): BMI's Mike O'Neill, BMI songwriter and Icon Mac Davis with his wife Lise Davis and BMI's Jody Williams. Photo: John Shearer

Pictured: (L-R): BMI’s Mike O’Neill, BMI songwriter and Icon Mac Davis with his wife Lise Davis and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: John Shearer

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 515

As Country Music Week galas go, the BMI Country Awards banquet ranks second only to the CMA Awards themselves for overall oomph.

Maybe that’s why fans were camped out at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday (Nov. 3) across the street from the organization’s Music Row headquarters. A mini throng was there by the time the limos arrived at 6 p.m., and it was still there when we emerged at 11 p.m.

Did I mention that BMI is also the longest of the ceremonies?

The fans’ fidelity was rewarded with red-carpet appearances by Chris Janson, Cam, Dustin Lynch, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Alison Krauss, Dan Tyminski, Alabama’s Randy Owen, Hunter Hayes, Brett Eldredge, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Lee Ann Womack, Deborah Allen and Nashville’s Chris Carmack.

Pictured (L-R): President and CEO of BMI, Michael O’Neill, MIranda Lambert, and BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville, Jody Williams

Pictured (L-R): President and CEO of BMI, Michael O’Neill, Miranda Lambert, and BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville, Jody Williams

Also Miranda Lambert, Keith Stegall, Clay Walker, John Oates, Sherrie Austin, Native Run, Gary Allan, Brantley Gilbert, Chase Rice, Randy Houser, Jason Isbell, Lee Brice, Eric Church, Mickey Guyton, Keith Urban, Tyler Farr, Rob Crosby, Striking Matches, Kix Brooks, The Henningsens, Frankie Ballard, Big Kenny, as well as Ronnie, Rob and Del McCoury, among many other celebs.

Not the least of those glittering in the red-carpet spotlight was Mac Davis, the winner of this year’s BMI Icon honor. During the banquet, videos showed Dolly Parton, Toby Keith, Scotty Emerick, Jeffrey Steele, Dean Dillon and Kenny Chesney praising Mac’s talent.

Vintage clips of performances of songs from Mac’s amazing catalog were also screened. That catalog includes “Something’s Burning,” “Watching Scotty Grow,” “Hooked on Music,” “It’s Hard to Be Humble,” “Memories,” “Don’t Cry Daddy,” “Stop and Smell the Roses” and “I Believe in Music.”

“Tonight, we are here to honor an entertainment legend who has had the Midas touch over a five-decade career,” said BMI CEO Mike O’Neill. “Mac’s beloved catalog spans genres and generations. Mac’s gift is writing straight from the heart.”

Mac McAnally performed a tender “Texas in My Rear View Mirror,” and earned a standing ovation. Rascal Flatts delivered a harmony-soaked “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me,” and also got a standing ovation. Luke Bryan rocked out on “A Little Less Conversation.”

Luke Bryan performs at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: BMI.com

Luke Bryan performs at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: BMI.com

Then Little Big Town demonstrated that it might be the greatest vocal group in all of music. When Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook shared lead vocals on “In the Ghetto,” they proved what a quadruple threat these four singers truly are. Ethereal harmonies by Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman only added to the goosebumps.

Little Big Town performs at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: BMI.com

Little Big Town perform at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: BMI.com

“I think now you know why we call him an Icon,” said O’Neill.

“This is absolutely, totally, humongously awesome,” responded Mac. “I love what I do, and I love that I get to do this for a living. It’s something that we have to do. I really believe that. It’s a gift…I knew I was gonna be emotionally overwhelmed, and I am.

“The great songwriters, I still believe, live here in Nashville,” Mac added. Which is why he has built a home here and plans to collaborate with Music City’s finest. Mac lives next door to Allen Shamblin. He sang their new collaboration, “Where Songs Come From.” The crowd full of songwriters whistled and cheered at its inspirational lyrics and gave him another standing ovation.

Another popular award winner was Mac’s fellow Texas native Rodney Clawson, who won his second BMI Country Songwriter of the Year award. His awarded titles were “Bartender,” “American Kids,” “Burnin’ It Down,” “Dirt,” “Lettin’ the Night Roll,” “Helluva Night” and “Til It’s Gone.”

Pictured (L-R): Nicolle Galyon and Rodney Clawson at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: BMI.com

Pictured (L-R): Songwriters Nicolle Galyon and Rodney Clawson at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: BMI.com

“It’s a good night for Texas,” said former farmer Rodney. “I’d like to thank all the songwriters I wrote all these songs with. Thank you…and let’s do it again.”

Phil Graham presented the Publisher of the Year award to Sony/ATV. Martin Bandier, Troy Tomlinson, Terry Wakefield and a large contingent of top company staffers accepted. The Frances W. Preston Country Song of the Year was “Beat of the Music,” penned by Ross Copperman, Brett Eldredge and Heather Morgan.

Heather was one of several first-time awardees. Others included Aaron Scherz, Nathan Chapman, Joey Hyde, Justin Wilson, Jesse Frasure, Tyler Farr and Adam Craig.

In addition to Rodney Clawson, multiple-song honorees included Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Andrew Dorff, Randy Houser, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, Brett Eldredge, Luke Laird, Cole Swindell, Brantley Gilbert and  Marv Green.

“What a party we have going tonight,” commented O’Neill. “It’s a celebration!

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to award you. We brought in over a billion dollars this year.” He spoke of doing battle with Pandora and of efforts in D.C. to gain greater royalties for songwriters.

In keeping with that theme, he gave the inaugural BMI Champion Award to tireless advocate Lee Thomas Miller.

“This is the best room in town,” said Lee. “I’m sitting next to my lifetime heroes.

“I think we’re making a difference. Our music is played at weddings and funerals and graduations, and I think that is worth more than a fraction of a penny” in royalties.

As far as “heroes” goes, Lee could have been referring to the attending Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famers Roger Murrah, Rory Bourke, Even Stevens, Craig Wiseman, Norro Wilson, Dennis Morgan, Thom Schuyler, Bob DiPiero, Randy Owen, Jeffrey Steele, Layng Martine Jr., Jerry Chesnut and Mark James, not to mention Mac Davis. I introduced Barry Dean to Hall of Famer Whitey Shafer, which was a thrill for BMI awardee Barry.

BMI Nashville chief Jody Williams got a standing ovation when he took the stage. He handed out the songwriting awards, along with Leslie Roberts, Bradley Collins and David Preston.

BMI’s 50 top country songs of the year were honored. In addition to those already mentioned, winning writers included Tom Douglas, Tommy Lee James, Tommy Bulford, Trent Tomlinson, Troy Verges, Bart Butler, Shane Minor, Wade Kirby, Phil O’Donnell, Natalie Hemby, Nicolle Galyon (who is married to top winner Rodney), The Warren Brothers, Ed Hill, David Frasier, Laura Veltz, Jason Matthews, Jimmy Yeary, Sarah Buxton, Dylan Altman, Chase Bryant, Philip LaRue, Bryan Simpson, John Ozier and Paul Jenkins.

This marked the 20th anniversary of the awards being given in the organization’s elaborately-disguised parking garage. Its columns were covered in mirrors. Massive floral arrangements flanked the entryways. Tablecloths hued in brushed chrome held centerpieces of red, pink and white roses, lilies and fruit, massed in mounds.

Salad was endive, blue cheese, pears (I think) and macadamia nuts. The entrée was surf-and-turf, plus shredded Brussels sprouts, cherry tomatoes, gravy and mashed potatoes.

You’d think that by mid-week, I’d have run out of new music-biz fabulons to greet. But you’d be wrong. Working the room were Ken Robold, Kent Earls, Billy Montana, Billy Burnette, Anastasia Brown, Tony Brown, Tony Conway, Jim Free, Jimmy Carter, Steve Moore, Steve Lowery, Bill Catino, Will Rambeaux, John Esposito, John Grady, Jon Randall Stewart, Tom Collins, Tom Roland, Del Bryant, Dane Bryant, Erika Wollam Nichols, Tim Nichols and Tim Wipperman.

“I’m back in the business, Lord help me,” said Wipperman. His new company is called Rezonant Music.

“I tried to quit, but couldn’t,” said Dean Dillon. “I’ve got all these baby songwriters to raise.” Besides, he’s back to performing. Dean is fronting The Texas Jam Band, a spin-off from George Strait’s Ace In the Hole Band.

B.J. Hill, Eddie Bayers, Narvel Blackstock, Byron Gallimore, Bobby Pinson, Bart Herbison (who convinced Mac Davis to move here), Erv Woolsey, Frank Myers, Scott Hendricks, Joe Galante, Jay Orr, Kay West, Debbie Carroll, David Briggs, Trent Summar, Walter Campbell, Whitney Daane, Rick & Janis Carnes, Suzy Ragsdale, Cyndi Forman, Alicia Warwick, Mary Ann McCready and many media mavens schmoozed.

We headed to the BMI lobby for assorted desserts and to enjoy the classic music of The Harold Bradley Band. The party favors were Whimsy Cookies, large round shortbreads with icing that spelled “Mac Davis” or depicted lucky horseshoes.

“It’s a beautiful night,” said Jody Williams. “It’s kind of like Thanksgiving. Mostly, I’m thankful because it’s an honor to serve you.”

2015 BMI Country Awards Winners

ICON
MAC DAVIS

SONG OF THE YEAR
“BEAT OF THE MUSIC”
Ross Copperman
Brett Eldredge
Heather Morgan
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Paris Not France Music
Ross Copperman Songs
Sony/ATV Countryside
Sony/ATV Tree

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
RODNEY CLAWSON
“American Kids”
“Bartender”
“Burnin’ It Down”
“Dirt”
“Helluva Life”
“Lettin’ The Night Roll”
“Til It’s Gone”

PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR
SONY/ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING NASHVILLE
(EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc, Sony/ATV Countryside and Sony/ATV Tree)
“Automatic”
“Beat Of The Music”
“Close Your Eyes”
“Drink To That All Night”
“Get Me Some Of That”
“Give Me Back My Hometown”
“Goodnight Kiss”
“Hope You Get Lonely Tonight”
“I Don’t Dance”
“I See You”
“Just Gettin’ Started”
“Keep Them Kisses Comin’”
“Later On”
“Like A Cowboy”
“Make Me Wanna”
“Mean To Me”
“Meanwhile Back At Mama’s”
“Play It Again”
“Ready Set Roll”
“Roller Coaster”
“Small Town Throwdown”
“Talladega”
“This Is How We Roll”
“Til It’s Gone”
“Whiskey In My Water”
“Who I Am With You”

2015 BMI COUNTRY AWARDS TOP 50 SONGS

“AMERICAN KIDS”
Rodney Clawson
Luke Laird
Big Red Toe Music
Creative Nation Music
Farm Town Songs
Round Hill Works
Songs of Universal, Inc.

“AUTOMATIC”
Nicolle Galyon
Natalie Hemby
Miranda Lambert
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Pink Dog Publishing
Sony/ATV Tree
These Are Pulse Songs
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

“BARTENDER”
Rodney Clawson
Big Red Toe Music
Farm Town Songs
Round Hill Works

“BEAT OF THE MUSIC”
Ross Copperman
Brett Eldredge
Heather Morgan
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Paris Not France Music
Ross Copperman Songs
Sony/ATV Countryside
Sony/ATV Tree

“BOTTOMS UP”
Brantley Gilbert
Indiana Angel Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

“BURNIN’ IT DOWN”
Rodney Clawson
Tyler Hubbard
Brian Kelley
Big Loud Mountain
Big Red Toe Music
Pranch Ringle Music
Round Hill Works
T Hubb Publishing

“CLOSE YOUR EYES”
Adam Craig
Shane Minor
Trent Tomlinson
Big Mosquito Music
Big Spaces Music
Code Six Charles Music
Sony/ATV Tree

“DAY DRINKING”
Barry Dean
Karen Fairchild
Phillip Sweet
Troy Verges
Jimi Westbrook
Country Paper
Creative Nation Music
Magnolia Beach Music
Pulse Nation
Self Made Entertainment
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

“DIRT”
Rodney Clawson
Big Red Toe Music
Farm Town Songs
Round Hill Works

“DOIN’ WHAT SHE LIKES”
Wade Kirby
Phil O’Donnell
Rooster Pecked Music
Round Hill Works
Sixteen Stars Music

“DRINK TO THAT ALL NIGHT”
Brad Warren
Brett Warren
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Fam Love Music
Sagequinnjude Music

“DRINKING CLASS”
David Frasier
Ed Hill
Big Hits of Amylase
Five Hills Music LLC
Gumbo Mud Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

“GET ME SOME OF THAT”
Rhett Akins
Cole Swindell
Brooks County Boy Music
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Sony/ATV Tree

“GIRL IN A COUNTRY SONG”
Aaron Scherz
Big Music Machine

“GIVE ME BACK MY HOMETOWN”
Eric Church
Luke Laird
Creative Nation Music
Longer And Louder Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Sony/ATV Tree

“GOODNIGHT KISS”
Randy Houser
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Little Britches Music

“HELLUVA LIFE”
Rodney Clawson
Big Red Toe Music
Round Hill Works

“HOMEGROWN HONEY”
Nathan Chapman
Art In The Pain Publishing
Songs of Universal, Inc.

“HOPE YOU GET LONELY TONIGHT”
Tyler Hubbard
Brian Kelley
Cole Swindell
Big Loud Mountain
Pranch Ringle Music
Sony/ATV Tree
T Hubb Publishing

“I DON’T DANCE”
Lee Brice
Dallas Davidson
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Mike Curb Music
Two Chord Georgia Music

“I SEE YOU”
Luke Bryan
Luke Laird
Creative Nation Music
Peanut Mill Songs
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Sony/ATV Tree

“JUST GETTIN’ STARTED”
Rhett Akins
Brooks County Boy Music
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.

“KEEP THEM KISSES COMIN’”
Dallas Davidson
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.

“LATER ON”
Joey Hyde
Justin Wilson
Magic Mustang Music, Inc.
Sony/ATV Tree
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

“LETTIN’ THE NIGHT ROLL”
Rodney Clawson
Justin Moore
Big Music Machine
Big Red Toe Music
Double Barrel Ace Music
Round Hill Works

“LIKE A COWBOY”
Randy Houser
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Little Britches Music

“LONELY EYES”
Johnny Bulford
Jason Matthews
Laura Veltz
3JB Music
Fresh Baked Cookies
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

“MAKE ME WANNA”
Bart Butler
Thomas Rhett
Bill Butler Music LLC
Cricket On The Line
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.

“MEAN TO ME”
Brett Eldredge
Paris Not France Music
Sony/ATV Countryside

“MEANWHILE BACK AT MAMA’S”
Tom Douglas
Jeffrey Steele
Jeffrey Steele Music
Sony/ATV Tree
TomDouglasMusic

“MY EYES”
Andrew Dorff
Tommy Lee James
Endorffin Music
Pretty Woman Publishing LLC
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Super Phonic Music

“NEON LIGHT”
Andrew Dorff
Moreendorffin Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.

“PERFECT STORM”
Lee Thomas Miller
The Country And Western Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

“PLAY IT AGAIN”
Dallas Davidson
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.

“READY SET ROLL”
Rhett Akins
Chase Rice
Brooks County Boy Music
Dack Janiels Publishing
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Sony/ATV Countryside

“ROLLER COASTER”
Cole Swindell
Sony/ATV Tree

“SEE YOU TONIGHT”
Scotty McCreery
Dagum Music

“SHOTGUN RIDER”
Marv Green
Troy Verges
Goes Something Like This Music
Songs From The Engine Room
Songs of Universal, Inc.
The Good The Bad The Ugly Publishing
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

“SMALL TOWN THROWDOWN”
Rhett Akins
Dallas Davidson
Brantley Gilbert
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Indiana Angel Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

“SOMETHING IN THE WATER”
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Okie Music

“SOMEWHERE IN MY CAR”
Keith Urban
Mary Rose Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.

“SUN DAZE”
Sarah Buxton
Jesse Frasure
Tyler Hubbard
Brian Kelley
Big Loud Mountain
Big Red Toe Music
Bux Tone Music
Pranch Ringle Music
Rio Bravo Music
Round Hill Works
T Hubb Publishing

“SUNSHINE & WHISKEY”
Luke Laird
Creative Nation Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.

“TAKE IT ON BACK”
Dylan Altman
Chase Bryant
Tommy Lee James
BMG Platinum Songs
Once In A Blue Tune Music
Orbison Music LLC
Spirit of Nashville One
SWMBMGBMI

“TALLADEGA”
Eric Church
Luke Laird
Creative Nation Music
Longer And Louder Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Sony/ATV Tree

“THIS IS HOW WE ROLL”
Luke Bryan
Tyler Hubbard
Brian Kelley
Cole Swindell
Big Loud Mountain
Peanut Mill Songs
Pranch Ringle Music
Sony/ATV Tree
T Hubb Publishing

“TIL IT’S GONE”
Rodney Clawson
Jimmy Yeary
Beattyville Music
Big Red Toe Music
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Farm Town Songs
Great Day At This Music
Round Hill Works

“WHISKEY IN MY WATER”
Tyler Farr
Phillip LaRue
John Ozier
Let The Road Pave Itself
Maxx Music
Mike Curb Music
Over The Bar Music
Razor & Tie Music Publishing
Sony/ATV Tree

“WHO I AM WITH YOU”
Marv Green
Paul Jenkins
Made For This Music
Sony/ATV Tree
The Good The Bad The Ugly Publishing
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

“YEAH”
Bryan Simpson
Writers of Sea Gayle Music

Early CMA Award Winners Announced For Video, Vocal Event

Logo for the 49th Annual CMA Awards

Winners in two categories of the 2015 CMA Awards were revealed early today (Nov. 4) on Good Morning America — and it certainly is a good morning for Keith Urban, Eric Church, and Maddie & Tae.

Maddie & Tae earned Music Video of the Year honors for ‘Girl In A Country Song.” The clip was directed by TK McKamy.

Meanwhile, Musical Event of the Year went to Church and Urban’s “Raise ‘Em Up.”

Tim McGraw performed live from the plaza in front of the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville for Good Morning America, and Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, and New Artist of the Year nominee Chris Stapleton was also on hand.

The 49th annual CMA Awards, co-hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tonight on ABC.

CMT Announces Tour With Jennifer Nettles, Next Women of Country

Pictured: (L-R)  Lindsay Ell, Tara Thompson, Jennifer Nettles and Brandy Clark. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT)

Pictured: (L-R) Lindsay Ell, Tara Thompson, Jennifer Nettles and Brandy Clark. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT)

CMT unveiled plans for a 2016 tour with Jennifer Nettles, Brandy Clark, Lindsay Ell and Tara Thompson as part of the network’s Next Women of Country initiative.

“I always take any opportunity to champion women in music and throughout society at large,” said Nettles. “I am absolutely energized to headline this year’s ‘CMT Next Women of Country’ tour and celebrate these exciting artists on the precipice of so much greatness.”

Billed as “CMT Presents Jennifer Nettles with 2016 Next Women of Country Tour,” the itinerary will begin Jan. 15 in Orillia, Ontario, Canada, and continue through April 22. Nettles made a surprise appearance at CMT’s third annual Next Women of Country event at Nashville’s City Winery on Tuesday (Nov. 3) to announce the tour. She will be releasing her first single on Big Machine Records in January.

The lunchtime gathering was also a chance for CMT SVP of Music Strategy and Talent Leslie Fram to introduce the 2016 class of CMT Next Women of Country: Ashley Campbell, Courtney Cole, Sara Haze, Maren Morris, Carly Pearce, Rainey Qualley, Aubrie Sellers and Tara Thompson. Fram co-hosted the ceremony with Kelsea Ballerini.

In addition, the event featured performances by Nettles and Clark, as well as Lauren Alaina, Danielle Bradbery, Cam, Clare Dunn, Brooke Eden, Ashley Monroe, Morris, and Cassadee Pope. The annual event is an extension of the network’s multi-platform Next Women of Country campaign, which aims to give voice to and raise the profile of women in country music.

“We are honored to have a superstar headline and curate our second ‘Next Women of Country Tour” said Fram. “This will be the year for Jennifer Nettles with new music coming out on Big Machine Label Group. Brandy Clark will release her sophomore album on Warner Bros. Records, Lindsay Ell just premiered her new video on CMT for ‘By The Way,’ and newly-signed Tara Thompson has already generated huge buzz for her talents to round out a stellar lineup for our 2016 Tour.”

"Next Women of Country" Event at City Winery Nashville. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT)

“Next Women of Country” Event at City Winery Nashville. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT)

“CMT Presents Jennifer Nettles with 2016 Next Women of Country Tour” Dates

Jan. 15 – Orillia, Ontario, Canada/Casino Rama
Jan. 16 – Northfield, Ohio/Hard Rock Live
Jan. 17 – Wheeling, W.V./Capitol Theatre
Jan. 20 – New York City, N.Y./Beacon Theatre
Jan. 22 – Upper Darby, Pa./Tower Theater
Jan. 23 – Boston, Mass./House of Blues
Jan. 24 – Lancaster, Pa./American Music Theatre

Feb. 5 – Durham, N.C./DPAC
Feb. 6 – Cherokee, N.C./Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center
Feb. 12 – Wendover, Nev./Peppermill Concert Hall
Feb. 13 – Beaver Creek, Colo./Vilar PAC
Feb. 14 – Colorado Springs, Colo./Pikes Peak Center
Feb. 17 – Hobbs, N.M./Lea County Events Center
Feb. 19 – Phoenix, Ariz./Celebrity Theatre
Feb. 20 – Prescott, Ariz./Yavapai College
Feb. 23 – Los Angeles, Calif./The Wiltern
Feb. 26 – Santa Rosa, Calif./Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
Feb. 27 – Bakersfield, Calif./Majestic Fox Theatre

March 1 – Oakland, Calif./Fox Theater
March 3 – Tacoma, Wash./Emerald Queen Casino
March 4 – Airway Heights, Wash./Northern Quest Casino
March 5 – Grand Ronde, Ore./Spirit Mountain Casino
March 17 – Ft. Wayne, Ind./Embassy Theatre
March 18 – Hammond, Ind./Horseshoe Casino
March 19 – Milwaukee, Wis./Venue TBA

April 8 – Branson, Mo./Venue TBA
April 10 – Lawrence, Kan./Lied Center
April 14 – Ralston, Neb./Ralston Arena
April 15 – Cedar Rapids, Iowa/US Cellular Center
April 16 – Green Bay, Wis./Resch Center
April 21 – Morristown, N.J./Mayo Performing Arts Center
April 22 – Albany, N.Y./The Palace Theatre

Nashville Roundup: Edgehill Village, Google Fiber, Dan McGuiness Irish Pub

Screen Shot 2015-11-03 at 3.15.03 PMEdgehill Village Will Add J. Crew, Wine Bar

Nashville’s Edgehill Village will soon welcome two tenants, including a J. Crew retail shop and Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar. The additions were announced during a media event yesterday (Nov. 2).

J. Crew, an apparel retailer, boasts nearly 300 store nationwide, as well as 148 factory stores.

Barteca, a Connecticut-owned business that recently opened Bartaco in Nashville’s 12South area, will open Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar next to Edgehill Village’s Legato Gelato. There are 12 other Barcelona locations in four states. Barcelona’s menu features Spanish tapas, larger shared plates, an extensive wine list, cocktails, and more.

Other recently opened or announced businesses for the Edgehill Village include eyewear retailer Warby Parker, jeans maker Beija-Flor, and Old Glory cocktail bar, and well as the expansion of popular coffee shop Edgehill Cafe.

The Gulch Gains Google Fiber

googleMeanwhile, Nashville Post reports that Google Fiber will operate a physical Fiber Space in Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood, when it sets up shop at Icon in the Gulch. Fiber Space’s address is 1108 Division Street, where Wedding 101 previously resided.

Google recently committed to providing Google Fiber in satellite communities around Nashville, including Oak Hill, Forest Hills, Belle Meade, and Berry Hill.

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

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

 

Dan McGuiness Rebrands As Harp & Fiddle

Across the street from Element Music Row, longtime Irish eatery Dan McGuiness is slated to break from the Dan McGuiness franchise and reopen as independent Irish eatery Harp & Fiddle. The pub is located at 1538 Demonbreun Street, and will reopen Fri., Nov. 5. They will go smoke free and will make upgrades to the menu.

 

 

Bobby Karl Works The ASCAP Country Music Awards

Pictured (L-R): Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Justin Timberlake

Pictured (L-R): Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Justin Timberlake

Chapter 514

All photos by Ed Rode/Peyton Hoge for ASCAP

This year’s ASCAP Country Awards presentation strategically scattered stars throughout the evening on Monday (Nov.2), and they shined as brightly as ever.

Staged for the first time at the Omni Hotel Ballroom, the gala featured appearances by such luminaries as Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Reba McEntire, Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, John Rich, Kip Moore, Kelsea Ballerini, Maddie & Tae, Jerrod Niemann, Old Dominion, A Thousand Horses, Frankie Ballard, Justin Timberlake, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood and, get this, President Jimmy Carter.

The high point of the evening was the presentation of the Voice of Music Award to Trisha. Justin Timberlake hosted the tribute to her.

“I am very excited to be here to talk about the lovely Miss Trisha Yearwood,” he began. “Since her debut in the early ‘90s, she has given young women a voice through songs with powerful lyrics about love, loss and being true to one’s self….She is the epitome of Southern charm.”

Pictured (L-R): Elizabeth Matthews, CEO, ASCAP; Michael Martin, VP Membership, ASCAP Nashville; Kelsea Ballerini; John Titta, EVP Membership, ASCAP.

Pictured (L-R): Elizabeth Matthews, CEO, ASCAP; Michael Martin, VP Membership, ASCAP Nashville; Kelsea Ballerini; John Titta, EVP Membership, ASCAP.

Lady A sang a flawless arrangement of “Walkaway Joe” with poetic Dobro accompaniment by Jerry Douglas. Garth’s daughter Allie Brooks did “She’s In Love with the Boy.” Reba got a standing ovation for her lilting reading of “The Song Remembers When.” Then Paul Williams introduced President Carter, who received a thunderous standing ovation as he walked on stage.

Carter said Trisha is “a famous actress, a famous singer and a famous author. All of her books have been on The New York Times Bestseller list. I can’t say the same for mine.

“Trisha and her husband have been with me now for about 10 years, building Habitat for Humanity homes. She is one of the best Habitat for Humanity volunteers I’ve ever seen.” In fact, Garth and Trisha were with him earlier in the day, building a home in Memphis.

“President and Mrs. Rosalyn Carter, thank you so very much,” said Trisha, a Georgia native. “You show me and my husband not only what kind of marriage to have, but what kind of human beings to be.

Pictured (L-R):  Ben Vaughn, Warner/Chappell; Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley; Jon Platt, Warner Chappell.

Pictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn, Warner/Chappell; Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley; Jon Platt, Warner Chappell.

“I was a demo singer for most of the people in this room. I know what a lucky girl I was….I am a singer, so I’ve always had great love and respect for songwriters…I hope you know that I am humbled and honored. Thank you to all the songwriters. I’m a big, big fan.”

Sam Hunt was named ASCAP’s Songwriter/Artist of the Year. “I bought a cheap, acoustic, pawn-shop guitar the summer after I graduated from high school, just because I was bored,” he recalled. “It changed my life. I moved to Nashville a couple of years after that. Those first few years were a struggle. God was putting me through this trial.” He was inspired by some remarks by Tom T. Hall and was tutored and polished by his Nashville songwriting contemporaries.

Among them was Josh Osborne, with whom Sam won the Song of the Year award for “Leave the Night On.” Said Josh, “We believed in Sam from Day One. I’m just so thankful that he was successful.” The songwriters also performed the song.

Ashley Gorley won the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year prize for the second consecutive time. Kelley Lovelace made the presentation, saying, “He’s a a natural, God-gifted writer, and a really good man with a great heart.”

ASCAP

Pictured (L-R): President Jimmy Carter and ASCAP President Paul Williams

“So many people in the community have taken a chance on me,” said Ashley. “Nashville is that place where you get to write with your friends, and everybody keeps raising the bar. It’s an amazing place that I get to call home now.”

On keyboards, Ashley performed “Play It Again” and “I See You,” with an assist from Luke Bryan on both. His other winning songs were “Just Getting’ Started” (Jason Aldean), “Rewind” (Rascal Flatts), “See You Tonight” (Scotty McCreery) and “Yeah” (Joe Nichols).

Warner/Chappell Music won Publisher of the Year. Company writer Charles Kelley co-presented this. Jerrod Niemann co-presented the Partners In Music Award to Logan’s Roadhouse. The restaurant chain is providing performance venues for up-and-coming ASCAP writers.

Barry Coburn told us that Nov. 2 marks the 95th anniversary of the first commercial radio broadcast. It was by KDKA in Pittsburgh. This is also the 45th anniversary of Country Radio Seminar, so commemorative plaques were given to Bill Mayne, Charlie Monk and Judy Harris.

Pictured (L-R): Cole Swindell and Michael Carter

Pictured (L-R): Cole Swindell and Michael Carter

The gala kicked off with a vibrant performance of “Break Up With Him” by Old Dominion. Later on, the top five Song of the Year contenders were performed by their writers. In addition to Ashley, Josh and Sam, the singing writers were Josh Kear on “Drinking Class” and Michael Carter on “Get Me Some of That.” In addition to being Luke’s lead guitarist and bandleader, Michael produces Cole Swindell, who performed with him.

Other writers honored at the ASCAP gala included Dierks, John Rich, Eric Paslay, Danny Orton, Ben Hayslip, Brent Anderson, Ryan Hurd (who also sings, so stay tuned), Mark Irwin, Chris Tompkins, Maddie & Tae’s Maddie Marlowe and Taylor Dye, Brett James, Justin Weaver, Jason Sellers, Adam Sanders, Shannon Lawson, Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi and Trevor Rosen, JT Harding, David Lee Murphy, Hillary Lindsey, Daniel Smyers of Dan + Shay, Marc Beeson, Matt Jenkins, Zach Crowell, Chris DeStefano, Jon Nite, Lady A’s Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley, Jaren Johnston, Jimmy Robbins, Scooter Carusoe, Matthew Ramsey and Jonathan Singleton.

About 40 percent of this year’s winners were first-timers. Led by Michael Martin and new CEO Beth Matthews, various ASCAP execs took turns hosting.

More than 800 guests attended, including such performers as Lee Ann Womack, Desmond Child, Chuck Wicks, The Swon Brothers, Chip Esten, Gary Nicholson, Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman, Lane Brody, Drake White, David Nail, Pat Alger, Cadillac Three, Tyler Farr, Cassadee Pope, Brothers Osborne and Levi Hummon. Dynamo publishers such as Celia Froehlig, Carla Wallace, Kerry O’Neil, Craig Wiseman, Drew Alexander, Mark Brown, Mike Hollandsworth, Mike Sebastian, Terry Wakefield, Chris Farren, B.J. Weaver and Dale Dodson were there.

Sam Hunt performs Song of the Year "Leave the Night On"

Sam Hunt performs Song of the Year “Leave the Night On”

So were Frank Liddell, Frank Rogers, Ken Levitan, Kevin Lamb, Mike Dungan, Michael Knox, Scott Borchetta & Sandi Spika Borchetta, Doug & Linda Edell Howard, Steve & Ree Guyer Buchanan, Regina & Ron Stuve, Allison Brown Jones, Rusty Jones, Scott Siman, Ronna Rubin, Fletcher Foster, Tom Luteran, Allen Shamblin, Wayland Holyfield, Liz Hengber, Julian King, Randy Goodman and Garth Fundis.

Dinner began with a salad featuring apple slices, greens, blue cheese crumbles and walnuts. The entrée had beef medallions, roast tomato, mashed potato, fish filet and asparagus spears. The sinfully irresistible desert was Neopolitan mousse.

That part of the event, the Omni got right. The audio, not so much. The sound for both the music and the speeches seemed to bounce around the room and become so muddy that people could barely be understood.

But people were there to party, regardless. David Crow, David Malloy, Doug Casmus, Buddy Cannon, Blake Chancey, Earle Simmons, Julie Boos, Byron Gallimore, Jay Frank, Brent Maher, John Marks, Rod Essig, Ron Cox, Andrew Kintz, Larry McCormick, Patrick Clifford, Dixie Owen, Jackie Marushka, George Walker IV, LeAnn Phelan, Susan Niles, Nick Ferrara and Mark Ford made merry.

Keep those scorecards handy, because more winners are on the way via BMI, the CMA and, soon, the NATD.

Pictured (L-R): Cole Swindell and Michael Carter

Pictured (L-R): Cole Swindell and Michael Carter

Pictured: Reba McEntire sings Trisha Yearwood's "The Song Remembers When"

Reba McEntire sings Trisha Yearwood’s “The Song Remembers When” 

Ashley Gorley accepts the Songwriter of the Year Award.

Ashley Gorley accepts the Songwriter of the Year Award.

Pictured (L-R): Justin Timberlake, Lady Antebellum, Trisha Yearwood, Allie Brooks, President Jimmy Carter and Mrs. Carter, ASCAP President Paul Williams, Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks.

Pictured (L-R): Justin Timberlake, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Allie Brooks, Dave Haywood, Trisha Yearwood, President Jimmy Carter and Mrs. Carter, ASCAP President Paul Williams, Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks.

Arista/RCA’s Cam Reveals Full-Length Track Listing

CamUntamed

Arista Nashville/RCA Records singer-songwriter Cam has revealed the track listing for her full-length debut album Untamed, featuring 11 songs all co-written by the artist including her current single, the gold-certified MusicRow chart No. 1 “Burning House.”

Available for pre-order until its release Dec. 11, Untamed was produced by Jeff Bhasker (Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, FUN., The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift) and Tyler Johnson (Ed Sheeran, OneRepublic, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Mikky Ekko), who also appear as co-writers on selected tracks.

The Trey Fanjoy-directed music video for “Burning House” has now surpassed 1.25 million views.

Heading into awards week, Cam has been announced as a presenter at the 49th Annual CMA Awards tomorrow (Nov. 4) on ABC in addition to a spotlighted in USA Today‘s “On the Verge.” Cam is co-hosting the AT&T CMA Awards Red Carpet show alongside Craig Morgan and Michael Ray, airing live Nov. 4 on AUDIENCE Network (DIRECTV Ch. 239 or U-verse TV Ch. 1114) beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

Untamed Track Listing:

1. Untamed (Cam/Tyler Johnson/Casey Beathard)
2. Hungover on Heartache (Cam/Johnson/Zachary Werner)
3. Mayday (Cam/Johnson)
4. Burning House (Cam/Johnson/Jeff Bhasker)
5. Cold in California (Cam/Johnson/Jeremy Spillman)
6. My Mistake (Cam/Johnson)
7. Runaway Train (Cam/Anders Mouridsen/Bhasker)
8. Half Broke Heart (Cam/Luke Laird/Johnson)
9. Want It All (Cam/Johnson/Phil Vassar)
10. Country Ain’t Never Been Pretty (Cam/Anders Mouridsen)
11. Village (Cam/David Manzoor/Natalie Murphy)

Tanya Tucker To Kick Off Holiday Festivities at Country Music Hall Of Fame

Tanya Tucker

Tanya Tucker

Tanya Tucker will kick off Deck the Hall at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Friday, Nov. 27. Festivities will begin at 4 p.m. with a performance from Tucker followed by the lighting of a thirty-foot-tall Christmas tree in the museum’s Mike Curb Conservatory. Tucker will also be signing copies of her CDs that will be available for purchase in the museum store.

As part of its annual Deck the Hall Concert Series, the museum will host a holiday performance every Wednesday in December at 7:30 p.m. It will begin with Ricky Skaggs and the Whites on Dec. 2, followed by Brenda Lee On Dec. 9, Lonestar on Dec. 16, and on Dec. 23, the Oak Ridge Boys will take the CMA Theater stage.

The museum will offer many free-to-the-public activities throughout the holiday season. Santa Claus will be on hand for free photos with children of all ages on Nov. 28-29, Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20.

Admission to most holiday programs is free with museum admission and free to museum members.

For more information, click here.

 

Hayley Orrantia Brings Passion For Music To ‘The Goldbergs’

 Hayley Orrantia. Photo: Kevin Thomas Photography

Hayley Orrantia. Photo: Kevin Thomas Photography

Hayley Orrantia may be best known for her role on ABC-TV’s hit comedy series The Goldbergs, but music is her first love. Growing up in Texas, she started singing at age 9, and admits to practicing her favorite songs by Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Faith Hill and Martina McBride in front of the mirror with a hairbrush.

Today, at age 21, she stars on the show as character “Erica Goldberg,” a teenager who shares her real-life love of music.

Orrantia recently released her first country single, “Love Sick.” The frequent Nashville visitor took a break from house-hunting to speak to MusicRow via phone.

MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson: When was your first visit to Nashville? What do you remember about it?

Hayley Orrantia: I had just turned 14 and was starting to write songs by myself. Songwriters Tim and Angela Lauer were guiding me through the process and co-writing with me. I was trying to do the whole Disney acting thing, so a lot of our songs were towards that genre. They were always really great mentors to me. That was my first visit, and then it took a few years before I finally got to come back.

 Hayley Orrantia. Photo: Kevin Thomas Photography

Hayley Orrantia. Photo: Kevin Thomas Photography

Now that you come to Nashville regularly, who have you been working with?

Orrantia: I really like the cool team that I’ve created here. I’ve been working with Liz Rose, Emily Shackelton and Mark Bright. He’s my producer and has been writing in some of my sessions too. Corey Crowder is one of my favorite people to write with. He’s so good at what he does and he’s great about leaving the floor open to my ideas. I was worried because coming out to Nashville and writing with such great writers is sacred.

How did you end up connecting with Mark Bright?

Orrantia: Jeff Biederman, who is my entertainment lawyer, used to work here in Nashville, and he knows Rob Beckham at WME. So I connected with Rob, who is now my music agent. Rob pointed me towards Mark and we’ve been working together ever since.

One of the cool things about your character on The Goldbergs is that she sings. Is that a coincidence?

Orrantia: No, my character is based on the older brother of the real Adam F. Goldberg. His older brother’s name is Eric. But Adam needed another female character in the show, so he changed Eric to Erica. There was no musical trait about the character at all, but I mentioned to the producers that if there was an opportunity for me to sing on the show, I would be so grateful. In Season 1, they let me do that in one of the episodes, and have let me do it on multiple episodes ever since, which I love.

I am a singer first and foremost, and music’s always been so important to me. I kind of fell into acting, in a way, because of music. I was going on auditions a lot, going out to Los Angeles during pilot season while I was in high school. By the time I was 19, I happened to get the audition for The Goldbergs, and the minute I got the script, I knew that it was a role that I really connected with. I’m still happy to be working on it because it’s such a funny show.

How did you decide to record your song “Hasta Verte” in Spanish?

Orrantia: I’m a quarter Hispanic and have always been very proud of that side of my family heritage. It was something I wanted to try, even though I don’t speak it fluently. I’ve been challenging myself to learn Spanish and speak it fluently.

I felt like of all my songs, “Until Then” would resonate the most in another language because “Until Then” is about a family friend who passed away from cancer. A lot of people have had to deal with losing someone that’s very close to them, and I felt like that’s why this song would resonate so much in other countries and with people of all different languages.

BMLG’s The Valory Music Co. Imprint Celebrates Eight Years

Pictured (back row L-R):  Ellen Mundy, Brad Howell, George Briner,  Ashley Sidoti and Amy Staley. (front row L-R): ara Thompson, RaeLynn, Levi Hummon, Justin Moore and The Valory Music Co.'s Bradford Hollingsworth

Pictured (back row L-R): Ellen Mundy, Brad Howell, George Briner,
Ashley Sidoti and Amy Staley. (front row L-R): ara Thompson, RaeLynn, Levi Hummon, Justin Moore and The Valory Music Co.’s Bradford Hollingsworth. Photo: The Valory Music Co.

Artists signed to BMLG’s The Valory Music. Co. imprint gathered with VIP partners last night (Nov. 2) to celebrate the imprint’s eight years of chart-topping success since launching in 2007. Artists, staffers, and industry execs gathered at Barlines in Nashville.

Among those celebrating was Justin Moore, who has been with the label since its inception, and who has released three gold-certified albums and earned five No. 1 singles.

The Valory Music Co. radio promotion team – SVP Promotion George Briner, Southwest Director of Promotion Brad Howell, West Coast Director of Promotion Amy Staley, Southeast Director of Promotion Ashley Sidoti, Northeast Director of Promotion Bradford Hollingsworth and Promotion Coordinator Ellen Mundy – introduced up-and–comers RaeLynn, Levi Hummon and Tara Thompson who joined in the excitement of the evening.

Over the last eight years,  the imprint has earned 17 No. 1 hits and scored 22 Top 10 singles at country radio. Artists have been nominated and won numerous awards as well as sold over 24 million tracks to date.

The Valory Music Co.’s full roster includes Moore, Hummon, RaeLynn, Thompson, Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, and The Mavericks.

Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta, President/CEO, Big Machine Label Group; Justin Moore; George Briner. Photo: The Valory Music Co.

Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta, President/CEO, Big Machine Label Group; Justin Moore; George Briner. Photo: The Valory Music Co.

Industry Ink: Republic Nashville, C2 Media Relations, Industry Networking and Guitar Tech Workshops

Republic Nashville Adds Director of Southwest Promotion

Lauren Longbine

Lauren Longbine

Republic Nashville has added Lauren Longbine as Director of Southwest Promotion. She will work with the imprint’s roster of artists, including Florida Georgia Line, The Band Perry, Cassadee Pope, A Thousand Horses, and Brett Young.

“We are excited to welcome Lauren into the Ape Den at Republic,” said Vice President Promotion Matthew Hargis. “Lauren’s energy and passion for Country music are second to none. A true possibilitarian!”

Longbine added, “I am humbled for the opportunity to join the Republic Nashville family and can’t wait to live my passion for radio every day out on the road with our amazing artists.”

Longbine replaces Kristen White, who will depart in December to pursue other opportunities. Longbine, a Kansas native, will be based in Nashville. She can be reached at lauren.longbine@bmlg.net or at 620-341-0573.

 

C2 Media Relations Hires Associate Publicist

Samantha Johnson

Samantha Johnson

C2 Media Relations has hired Associate Publicist Samantha Johnson. Johnson recently relocated to Nashville from Los Angeles.

Her career background includes stops at E! Entertainment and NBC International.

Johnson can be reached at sam.c2media@gmail.com.

 
 
 

Nashville School of Law To Host Music Industry Networking Workshop

Ramona P. DeSalvo

Ramona P. DeSalvo

Nashville School of Law’s Sports and Entertainment Law Society will host a workshop on networking in the entertainment industry.

NSL SELS faculty advisor Ramona P. DeSalvo will lead the workshop, which will be held Nov. 6 from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Nashville School of Law, Room 400.

Light refreshments will be provided, and the workshop is free and open to the public.

 
 
 

Guitar Services Workshop To Be Held in Nashville

John LeVan

John LeVan

Nashville luthier John LeVan‘s Guitar Services Workshop will be held in Nashville next year, aimed at meeting the demand for qualified guitar repair specialists. The workshop will be held on Feb. 6, 2016 at the Guitar Services Workshop, located at 209 10th Ave. S., Ste. 136 in Nashville.

“We’re proud to announce the launch of Guitar Services Workshop,” says LeVan. “Our workshops are designed to help guitarists start a new career by providing hands-on training from industry experts, extensive learning materials, and the necessary tools to launch a guitar-repair business. Our goal is to change the instrument repair industry by providing comprehensive instruction for aspiring guitar technicians and luthiers.”

Registration is open for the workshop, and all skill levels are welcome. For more information about Guitar Services Workshop, contact John M. LeVan at 615-251-8884 or email guitarservices@aol.com.