Weekly Chart Report (11/20/15)

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Pentatonix Pop Into Cracker Barrel’s Music Catalog

Pentatonix sing at Cracker Barrel. Photo: Monarch Publicity.

Pentatonix sing at Cracker Barrel. Photo: Monarch Publicity.

Two members of Grammy-winning vocal group Pentatonix, Scott Hoying and Kirstin Maldonado, sat down with MusicRow this month to discuss their recording and songwriting process. The group was in Nashville to attend the CMA Awards, where they were presenters on the show.

In October, Pentatonix made SoundScan history as the first a cappella group to hold the No. 1 spot on the overall album sales chart. Their new project on RCA is also available through Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, marking the first time the Nashville-area company has partnered with a pop artist. Pentatonix is published by Sony/ATV.

MusicRow: Did you record in Nashville?

Scott Hoying: Yes, we recorded part of the album at Reba’s studio, Starstruck. We also do tour rehearsals in Nashville, and have been here on tour.

Who produced the album?

Hoying: A lot of different people: Kuk Harrell, Martin Johnson, Ed Boyer, Drew Pearson, Ben Bram. And we produce a lot of it ourselves. A lot of the songs were arranged by us. It’s funny, what’s the definition of producing when it’s a cappella? Because you don’t really have the synths and background parts and layers. But there is an element of production. We have stomps and had to change around harmonies and stuff, so we had people help us with that.

This is your first album of original material, since you mostly recorded cover songs in the past. Tell me about the songwriting process.

Kirstin Maldonado: It was amazing. It was really kind of scary at first. We say it’s kind of like going on a blind date because you don’t know how it’s going to go. It could go really great or really terribly. But thankfully most of them went really well. We got to explore different creative avenues, different genres and styles of music. I think it really opened up our minds creatively and we got a lot of good content out of it.

Hoying: I couldn’t believe how happy I felt in those two months when we were writing non-stop—so creatively charged and my brain was so active. I probably did 30 songwriting sessions. We were in the studio all the time. It was so much fun. I’ve never been crazy about songwriting. I would write a song here and there, but this is the only time I immersed myself in it and it was incredible. And we couldn’t get enough songwriting sessions with Audra Mae. She’s so talented.

Since you are an a capella group, do you write with instruments?

Hoying: It depends. Normally for a cover we take a song and flip it and do our thing to it. We’ve found it’s easiest when we’re writing a song, to write it on an instrument or write it with a melody and a beatbox, so that then we have the demo of the song. Then we go into arrangement mode, where we say, “OK, what do we want to do with this song?” So we just added a step.

Read more about Pentatonix’s relationship with Cracker Barrel in the upcoming issue of MusicRow.

UMPG Signs Artist/Songwriter/Producer Paul DiGiovanni

Pictured (L-R): Front Row: Missy Wilson, Sr. Creative Director, UMPG;  Paul DiGiovanni; Rohan Kohli, Ozone Management. Back Row: Kent Earls, EVP/GM, UMPG Nashville;  Ron Stuve, VP A&R, UMPG; Cyndi Forman, VP, Creative, UMPG; Robert Filhart, ASCAP.

Pictured (L-R): Front Row: Missy Wilson, Sr. Creative Director, UMPG; Paul DiGiovanni; Rohan Kohli, Ozone Management. Back Row: Kent Earls, EVP/GM, UMPG Nashville; Ron Stuve, VP A&R, UMPG; Cyndi Forman, VP, Creative, UMPG; Robert Filhart, ASCAP.

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has signed an exclusive, global publishing deal with songwriter/artist Paul DiGiovanni.

“Paul’s extensive history of commercial success in pop/rock has allowed him to bring such a fresh perspective and an ear for a hit to his country music songwriting. The demos and tracks he’s producing are dynamic and exciting to both the A&R and songwriting community, as well,” said Executive VP/GM of UMPG Nashville, Kent Earls. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to our Universal Music Publishing family.”

Before transitioning into a full-time country songwriter/producer based out of Nashville, DiGiovanni spent nine years in Columbia Records pop/rock group Boys Like Girls, which sold over 1 million albums and over seven million digital singles. The band had six consecutive charting Top 40 radio singles (“Two Is Better Than One” feat. Taylor Swift, “Love Drunk,” “The Great Escape,” “Hero/Heroine,” “Thunder,” and “Heart Heart Heartbreak”) and multiple platinum singles. The band performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live, ABC’s The View, CBS’ Early Show, and MTV’s New Years Eve, and toured with such artists as Avril Lavigne, Butch Walker, and The All-American Rejects.

“I couldn’t be more excited to become a part of UMPG. I felt immediately inspired by Kent, Missy and the whole team, and joining such a talented roster is a dream come true. Looking forward to a lot of hard work and success together in the future,” added DiGiovanni.

Jessi Alexander, Bobby Braddock, Lee Brice, Chris Stapleton To Reveal Their ‘First and Worst’ For Charity

First and WorstHit songwriters Jessi Alexander, Bobby Braddock, Lee Brice, and Chris Stapleton are set to perform the first and worst songs they have ever written–alongside their biggest hits–for the benefit of Music Health Alliance. The second ‘The First And The Worst” event will be held March 1, 2016 at Nashville’s City Winery, and hosted by journalist and music historian Peter Cooper.

“I’m excited for ‘The First And The Worst’ to return again this year,” said Music Health Alliance Founder and 2015 Nashville Healthcare Hero, Tatum Hauck Allsep. “It’s a fun event for the fans and the music industry loves it too! Everyone comes out to cheer and jeer their fellow musicians, all while supporting Music Health Alliance’s advocacy work on behalf of their peers.”

Proceeds from “The First And The Worst” ticket sales will benefit Music Health Alliance, the music industry’s non-profit healthcare advocate. Tables can be purchased by contacting Shelia Shipley Biddy with Music Health Alliance. In addition, a silent auction will be held during the event. Funds raised will help Music Health Alliance Protect, Direct & Connect music industry professionals with medical and financial solutions.

To purchase floor seats, visit citywinery.com. For mezzanine seats, visit citywinery.com.

Behind The Songs: Kristian Bush’s Music to Be Spotlighted By CMHoF

Kristian Bush. Photo: David McClister

Kristian Bush. Photo: David McClister

Singer-songwriter Kristian Bush will be featured during an upcoming Songwriter Session at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 11:30 a.m. The weekly Songwriter Sessions allows visitors the opportunity to hear songwriters perform their hits and discuss their craft in an intimate setting.

Bush’s debut solo project, Southern Gravity, was released earlier this year, and boasts the Top 20 single, “Trailer Hitch.” Bush has earned six BMI songwriting awards, and founded his own publishing company/songwriting collective, Songs of the Architect, in 2011.

As a member of Sugarland, Bush co-wrote several of the band’s hits, including “Baby Girl,” “Settlin’,” “Something More,” “Stand Back Up,” “Stuck Like Glue” and “Want To.”

Following the program, Bush will sign copies of his album, available for purchase in the Museum Store.

Admission to the program is free for museum members and included with the purchase of a ticket to the museum. Museum members may reserve their passes in advance by calling 615-416-2050 or emailing reservations@countrymusichalloffame.org.

CMA Songwriters Series Wraps 11th Season in NYC with DeStefano, Gorley, Jenkins, Satcher

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The CMA Songwriters Series will wrap its 11th season in New York City at Joe’s Pub for four shows held Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12 (6:30 p.m. ET and 9:00 p.m. ET each night). Featured songwriters include Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Matt Jenkins, and Leslie Satcher.

“The continued growth and popularity of the series this year has been very rewarding,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “CMA is very proud to shine a national and international spotlight on the art of songwriting and our outstanding songwriter community.”

Tickets for the 21+ events are on sale now at cmasongwritersseries.com; the Joe’s Pub onsite box office; or via phone at 212-967-7555.

DeStefano has penned hit singles for Luke Bryan (“Kick the Dust Up” and “That’s My Kind of Night”), Chris Young (“Aw Naw”), and Carrie Underwood (“Good Girl,” “Little Toy Guns,” and “Something in the Water”). He also co-wrote and produced Brett Eldredge’s No. 1 single “Don’t Ya.”

Gorley is a CMA Triple Play Award recipient for penning three No. 1s in a 12-month period. He is behind hits from artists including Trace Adkins (“You’re Gonna Miss This”), Jason Aldean (“Just Getting Started,” “Tonight Looks Good on You”), and Brad Paisley (“American Saturday Night,” “Start a Band,” “Then”).

Jenkins has penned hits for artists including Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, and Blake Shelton. He co-wrote Dustin Lynch’s No. 1 single “Where It’s At,” Keith Urban’s Top 10 “Cop Car,” and “Fade Into You” from ABC’s Nashville.

Satcher’s songs have been recorded by such artists as George Jones (“What Would Waylon Do?”), Patty Loveless (“Everything But The Words”), George Strait (“High-Tone Woman,” “Troubadour”), Jim Lauderdale (“What’s On My Mind”), Merle Haggard (“Politically Uncorrect”), and Bonnie Raitt (“You Remain”).

LifeNotes: Old-Time Country Traditionalist Ramona Jones Passes

Ramona Jones. Photo: Grand Ole Opry Photo Archives

Ramona Jones. Photo: Grand Ole Opry Photo Archives

Champion old-time fiddler Ramona Jones died in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, at age 91 on Tuesday (Nov. 17).

She is known to millions who often saw her on TV’s Hee Haw as the wife and duet partner of Country Music Hall of Fame member Grandpa Jones (1913-1998). Both Ramona and Grandpa were devoted to preserving the folk songs and old-time tunes of country’s formative years of the 1920s and 1930s.

She was born Ramona Riggins on Jan. 28, 1924 in Raglesville, Indiana. Her father taught her to fiddle and she taught herself mandolin, guitar and bass. Her brothers began taking her to amateur contests when she was in high school, and she soon began collecting championship trophies.

Ramona had her radio debut on WHAS in Louisville when she was 15 years old. At age 18, she joined Sunshine Sue & The Rock Creek Rangers on WRVA in Richmond, Virginia, at its Old Dominion Barn Dance. She was billed as “The Little Indian Girl Fiddler.”

Pictured (L-R): Ramona Jones and Grandpa Jones. Photo: Grand Ole Opry Photo Archives

Pictured (L-R): Ramona Jones and Grandpa Jones. Photo: Grand Ole Opry Photo Archives

The group relocated to the 50,000-watt WLW in Cincinnati in late 1942. This is where she met banjo player Louis Marshall “Grandpa” Jones, who soon enlisted in World War II. During the war years, Ramona worked for a time in the “all-girl” band The Happy Valley Girls on WLW’s Boone County Jamboree. She also worked at WAVE in Louisville, Kentucky, and WKNE in Keene, New Hampshire, during the 1940s.

At the invitation of singer Bradley Kincaid, she moved to Nashville to join his show in 1946. Also in the troupe was Grandpa Jones, now back from the war. Ramona was next hired by The Bailes Brothers at WSM radio. She made her recording debut playing bass for the group, just a few days before marrying Grandpa in the summer of 1946. He became a member of WSM’s Grand Ole Opry that year.

In 1948, Ramona Jones had her debut solo performance on the Opry. Grandpa toured extensively, while Ramona mostly stayed in Nashville after she had daughter Eloise that year. But in 1951, the couple traveled together to entertain the troops on the front lines of The Korean War. The following year, the Joneses toured U.S. bases in Germany, Italy and Austria.

In 1954-56 they performed in a series of color films shot in Nashville by Al Gannaway. These were shown on TV for decades to come. They were also regulars on Town & Country Time, which was filmed in Washington, D.C., by Connie B. Gay.

The couple’s son, Mark, was born in 1955. Grandpa Jones had a recording contract with King Records in Cincinnati. Ramona recorded a series of duets with him there, including “Dark as a Dungeon,” “Don’t Sell Daddy Any More Whiskey,” “Count Your Blessings,” “Mountain Laurel,” “Eastbound Freight Train,” “Old Troup Dog” (written by Ramona) and “Four Winds A-Blowin.’” She also recorded with him on Decca, Monument, Starday, CMH, RCA and other labels.

Ramona Jones at Fan Fair in 1973. Photo: Les Leverett WSM/Grand Ole Opry Photo Archives

Ramona Jones at Fan Fair in 1973. Photo: Les Leverett WSM/Grand Ole Opry Photo Archives

Daughter Alissa was born in 1960. Ramona balanced child rearing with occasional tours accompanying Grandpa to the Canadian provinces, Hawaii and elsewhere. In 1964, she recorded some solo songs for Monument, including her self-composed “Lonesome Train” and “Sandy Land.” Maybelle Carter and Helen Carter were her harmony singers on these.

In 1965, Grandpa and Ramona became regulars on The Bill Anderson Show, a syndicated TV series. Hee Haw began airing in 1969, and for the next 25 years, Ramona Jones could be seen on the show vocally harmonizing and/or playing fiddle with Grandpa.

She recorded Back Porch Fiddlin’ as her first solo album in 1976. Ramona’s second and third solo albums were issued in 1979 and 1983. Dolly Parton featured her on the CBS-TV special Dolly and Carol in 1979. Two years later, Ramona was included on the LP The Women of Old-Time Music. Lady’s Fancy appeared as Ramona’s fourth solo album in 1986. She is also featured on such LPs as The Grandpa Jones Story (1976), Grandpa Jones Family Album (1979) and Grandpa Jones Family Gathering (1981).

Beginning in 1980, Ramona Jones began managing The Grandpa Jones Family Dinner Theater in Mountain View, Arkansas. This Ozarks tourism business thrived for the next decade. In 1986, she published her cookbook Ramona Jones Recipes to sell at the venue. It won an Arkansas Tourism Award during its heyday.

In 1991, Ramona Jones was presented with the Heritage Award at Uncle Dave Macon Days in Murfreesboro. In 1996, she was honored at the Memphis Dulcimer Festival. Her autobiography, Make Music While You Can, was published in 2000.

Ramona Jones is survived by her husband, Rev. W. Eugene Gober. Also surviving are her children Eloise Jones Hawkins; Mark Alan Jones, who is a banjo player and sound technician; and Alisa Jones Wall, who plays hammered dulcimer and autoharp, as well as by son-in-law Ron Wall, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A Life Celebration will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday (Nov. 21) at Lutons United Methodist Church, 8363 Old Springfield Pike in Goodlettsville. Burial will follow at Lutons Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday (Nov. 20) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home, 127 North Main St., Goodlettsville. Memorial donations can be made to the Opry Trust Fund, 2804 Opryland Dr., 37214.

Industry Ink: SESAC, Touring Career Workshop, Susan Nadler

SESAC Signs Ron and Skylar Wallace

SESAC has announced the signing of songwriters Ron Wallace and Skylar Wallace for representation. The talented father and daughter stopped by SESAC’s Nashville headquarters recently to finalize the new partnership and celebrate with SESAC’s Dennis Lord.

Pictured (L-R):  Ron Wallace, Skylar Wallace and SESAC’s Dennis Lord. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Pictured (L-R): Ron Wallace, Skylar Wallace and SESAC’s Dennis Lord. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Touring Career Workshop Draws 300 To Nashville Event

Touring Career Workshop (TCW) held its largest workshop to date at Soundcheck Nashville recently, where more than 300 people attended sessions led by touring industry elite. Michael Strickland, founder of Bandit Lights, served as keynote speaker.

“We are so excited how this year’s event turned out,” says TCW co-founder and Executive Director Chris Lisle.  “When this idea came to fruition five years ago, we never imagined how big it would be or the impact it would have.  Here’s to 2016!”

“This is my favorite workshop to date,” adds TCW co-founder Erik Parker.  “The number of attendees as well as the quality of the content make this year’s event awesome!

Every year, the Touring Career Workshop benefits a local non-profit and this year TCW partnered with Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee. Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee President & CEO Beth Torres addressed the crowd with heart-warming wish stories.

Pictured (L-R): Erik Parker, co-founder, TCW; Michael Strickland, Bandit Lights; Chris Lisle, co-founder and Executive Director, TCW

Pictured (L-R): Erik Parker, co-founder, TCW; Michael Strickland, Bandit Lights; Chris Lisle, co-founder and Executive Director, TCW

 

Susan Nadler Book Signing

Music industry executive Susan Nadler will sign copies of her newly released book, Silfa, at Eileen Fisher at The Mall at Green Hills. The signing will take place Dec. 2 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Guests can receive a free copy of the book with a purchase of $50 or more.

During her career, Nadler served as publicist for artists such as Tammy Wynette, Bobby Blue Bland, and Clint Black before joining forces with Evelyn Shriver to run Asylum Records from 1998-2001. It was there they released George Jones’ Grammy-winning album, Cold Hard Truth. In 2001, she and Shriver launched Bandit Records to release the final 10 years of critically acclaimed records by Jones. Along the way, she managed the career of country singer Lorrie Morgan, handled publicity for Farm Aid, and served as talent manager of the TV show Soundstage.

Susan Nadler

Susan Nadler

Friedman, Robkin, Mazer Form Publishing Company Deluge Music

Mark Friedman

Mark Friedman

Publishing veteran Mark Friedman (Chrysalis Music, Red Stripe Plane Music, Verse Music), label exec David Robkin (Bigger Picture Group) and manager Larry Mazer (Emily West, Kiss, Breaking Benjamin, Lamb of God) have announced the formation of Deluge Music, a boutique publishing company with offices in Nashville and Los Angeles. The company will be signing writers and artists in the country, pop and rock genres.

Initial signings include Oran Thornton, Christine Connolly, and Kevin Savigar, a four-time ASCAP Award winner and the recipient of multi-Gold and Platinum album awards for sales in excess of 40 million units. Savigar co-wrote and co-produced Rod Stewart’s latest release Another Country.

Friedman will serve as the President of Deluge Music, splitting his time between Los Angeles and Nashville. Stephanie Greene will be at the helm of the Nashville office in addition to continuing with her own company, Gravity Gone Music. Stephanie was previously with Combustion Music and Chrysalis Music. “Stephanie was such an asset for me at Chrysalis Music and I’ve been waiting years for the opportunity to work with her again!” said Friedman.

“We decided to form Deluge Music over breakfast a little more than a month ago. We wanted to follow up with our previous success and join forces to create a publishing company that is worldwide in its reach but ‘boutique’ in terms of how we work with our writers,” said Friedman. “By forming Deluge Music, we’re taking the next step towards making our vision a reality.”

Deluge Music’s Nashville office is located at 40 Music Square West and can be reached at 818-448-8491.

 

Vince Gill Album To Feature Little Big Town, Cam, Ashley Monroe

vincegilldowntomylastbadhabit

MCA Nashville country star Vince Gill will release his first new music as a solo artist in four years on February 12, 2016, titled Down To My Last Bad Habit. Pre-orders are currently available.

The 12-track solo project features input from Little Big Town, Cam and Ashley Monroe. Monroe is featured as a co-writer in addition to Leslie Satcher, Al Anderson and Catt Gravitt on additional tracks. Gill wrote five titles alone and contributed to instrumental work on all 12 songs. Additionally, Gill co-produced with Justin Niebank.

The news was revealed via NPR, where an exclusive first-listen is available of Gill’s lead single, “Take Me Down,” featuring Little Big Town and written by Gill, Richard Marx, and Jillian Jacqueline.

“Forty years into this, it’s still as much fun as it’s ever been to play music,” notes Gill. “At the end of the day, what I get excited about is doing something I haven’t done before. When I record a song, I feel successful if I’ve accomplished something new.”

Gill returns for the 2015 holiday season for a set of shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium with his wife, Amy Grant. In February, Gill is set to reunite with Lyle Lovett for a 13-city tour of acoustic shows. Visit vincegill.com for more information.

Down To My Last Bad Habit Track Listing:

  1. “Reasons For The Tears I Cry” (Vince Gill)
  2. “Down To My Last Bad Habit” (Gill, Al Anderson)
  3. “Me And My Girl” (Gill)
  4. “Like My Daddy Did” (Gill)
  5. “Make You Feel Real Good” (Gill)
  6. “I Can’t Do This” (Gill, Catt Gravitt, Brennen Hunt)
  7. “My Favorite Movie” (Gill and Ashley Monroe)
  8. “One More Mistake I Made” (Gill, Adrianne Duarte)
  9. “Take Me Down”* (Gill, Richard Marx, Jillian Jacqueline)
  10. “I’ll Be Waiting For You”** (Gill, Leslie Satcher)
  11. “When It’s Love” (Gill, Richard Marx)
  12. “Sad One Comin’ On (A Song For George Jones)” (Gill)

*Featuring Little Big Town
**Featuring Cam