Waylon Jennings’ Eldest Son, Terry Jennings, Writes Book

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Terry Jennings book on WaylonTerry Jennings, a longtime roadie for his father, Waylon Jennings, will issue a new book titled Waylon: Tales of My Outlaw Dad on April 19.

Terry Jennings was born when his father was 19 years old. When the younger Jennings was 15, he was a regular on the road with his father.

Advance copies of the book were sent with testimonials from Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and Keith Urban. The book is being published by Hachette Books. Jennings collaborated with author David Thomas on the book.

Press materials describe the book as “a strikingly honest, loving portrait of a unique father-son relationship that debunks myths and shares dozens of never-before-told stories.”

Today, Terry Jennings is the CEO and founder of Korban Music Group LLC, a music management and publishing company. He has also worked for booking agencies, publishing companies, and as a talent scout for major labels, including RCA Records. He lives near Waco, Texas.

Choreographed Fountains Coming To Music Row Roundabout

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Fountains-of-Musica-Fountains-3

Image Used Courtesy of Wet Design / Nashville Mayor’s Office.

The Music Row roundabout and Owen Bradley Park will be enhanced with three choreographed fountains by November 2017.

Plans for the project were revealed at a press conference on Thursday (Feb. 25) at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP Nashville office, in the Roundabout Plaza, overlooking the Musica statue.

The water features will include fountains that encircle Musica, an interactive fountain for children in adjacent Owen Bradley Park, and a fountain built into the median strip cascading along 17th Avenue. No musical interaction is planned.

Southern California company WET Design has been enlisted for the project. WET Design’s work include the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, the Sochi Winter Olympic Games’ Olympic Cauldron in Russia, The Dubai Fountain and the fountain at New York City’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

Designed by local artist Alan LeQuire, Musica was revealed in 2003. Its nine bronze statues, topping 38 feet, represent muses of the arts and creativity. It is considered to be the largest bronze figure group in the United States. However, at the time it was unveiled, funding was not available for the fountains that were incorporated into the original design.

 

Image Used Courtesy of Wet Design / Nashville Mayor’s Office.

The announcement coincides with a fundraising initiative from The Fountains of Musica Foundation, led by songwriter Desmond Child and board president Andrée LeQuire.

“An important part of the project is taking care of its ongoing maintenance, so as a nonprofit board, we are seeking community support to build the fountains and create a maintenance fund,” Andrée LeQuire said. “The estimated total for the entire project of three fountains and ongoing maintenance is $10 million and we are working in cooperation with multiple Metro departments for its installation. Generous private contributions have made the procurement of WET’s design possible. Now our website has an easy donation process; donations big and small are essential to complete this exciting project.”

Teresa Powell-Caldwell, senior vice president at WET said, “WET unleashes the magic of water and nature’s other elements to create shared experiences of movement, light, and emotion that reconnect us with our world, our senses, and each other. Collaborating with the board and Alan LeQuire to transform his magnificent sculpture into an evocative kinetic experience based on our expertise in this area was a rewarding artistic endeavor for WET, which we hope in turn will enrich the lives of those who experience the Fountains of Musica. We thank you all for trusting us achieve your vision in designing an experience that further evokes the creativity bursting from Nashville’s historic Music Row.”

Caldwell also explained the reasoning behind using Owen Bradley Park in the plans. “We know that people are going to be drawn to this feature,” she said. “So we needed to provide a place for them to look at it that is not in the street or crowded around for a photo opportunity.”

“This journey began a little over two years ago when I met the LeQuires, who were parents at our kids’ school,” recalled Child. “That’s when I found out that it wasn’t finished. It was missing these gushing, gorgeous waters. Then the whole thing made sense to me, and it was one of those things that I had to try to make it happen. This city so deserves it.”

“It was one of our first pieces of public art here in Nashville,” said Mayor Megan Barry. “When public and private come together, this is what we can do that is really special.”

“In all of the world, people go towards the location that has motion and activity,” said Andrée LeQuire. “These three fountains with water and lights will put a pulse in the entire neighborhood.”

An official website with links to donate is available at fountainsofmusica.org.

Quick Facts

  • $10 million, including maintenance endowment
  • Design and engineering promises “not one drop of water will fall on a car”
  • Lighting will enable 24/7 viewing
  • Fountain will scale down depending on wind, weather conditions, traffic and viewership
  • Owen Bradley Park will provide viewers a photo opportunity
  • Mayor Barry has stated, “My goal is to make sure traffic is always flowing” through construction
  • Opening expected in November 2017

Robby Johnson Keeps Looking Forward With New Album

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Robby Johnson visits with MusicRow staff.

Robby Johnson visits with MusicRow staff.

Canadian-born country singer Robby Johnson has high hopes for his new album, Don’t Look Back, which was recorded at Nashville’s Ocean Way, under the direction of producer James Stroud. The project is being distributed by TuneCore.

“He was a great guy and wanted me to give my input, to make it not his album but Robby Johnson’s album,” the singer said during a visit to MusicRow this week. “And I just knocked on publishers’ doors and told them my story and that I was working with James. I went to the Bluebird and met with Shane McAnally.”

The product of all that hustling is Johnson’s new 13-song project, which features songs from several top Nashville writers and artist-writers, including Sam Hunt, Chris Young, Josh Osborne, Luke Laird, JT Harding, Mark Nesler, Ashley Gorley, Brett James, John Ozier, Mary Dodson and, yes, Shane McAnally. Johnson’s current single, “Hate Me Tonight,” was penned by Jason Massey, Ryan Griffin, and Mark Carson.

Johnson also employed star power in the studio, as Vince Gill lends his guitar prowess to “I Ain’t The Guy,” a track co-penned by Johnson, Juliana Cole, and Kellys Collins.

In 2014, Johnson landed a superb performance slot, singing his previous single “South Of Me” on The Late Show With David Letterman. “That was surreal,” recalls Johnson. “That led to me getting a green card, because I was in the process of getting a green card so I could stay here permanently and work. They waited until the day after the Letterman show, because you have to be an established artist [to get a green card]. For the booking on Letterman, it mentions they only take artists that are established.”

Johnson still performs frequently in Canada, and landed a plum performance gig last year on one of North America’s largest stages, opening for Keith Urban, Foo Fighters, Rolling Stones, and more. “There were three acts that evening,” Johnson recalls. “I was opening, and Keith Urban was closing the show. At 7 p.m. there were about 30,000 people already there. It was crazy because when I walked up the ramp, people were chanting ‘Robby, Robby’ and it was an amazing moment. I heard they’ve never had that many people at 7 p.m. for an opening act.”

Johnson returned the favor to his Canadian fans with the initial release of Don’t Look Back in Canada. The initial release was slated for January, but Johnson released physical copies early to a popular retailer in his home province of Quebec.

Though Johnson has his sights set on success in the American country music market, he says his drive to become an American country star is motivated by far more than personal ambition.

“If you want to do it for fame and red carpets, that’s not good,” Johnson says. “But if you do it because you want to create moments with people and share stories…that’s my story. I’ve been through rough times as a child and growing up. I know what some listeners go through, and they’ve lived even worse stories than mine. For me, I just want to be the soundtrack of their lives and let them know I’ve been through things too, and they are not alone.”

Ben Caver Signs To Black River Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Kelly Bolton, Catalog Manager, Black River Publishing; Dave Pacula, Creative Director, Black River Publishing; Ben Caver, Celia Froehlig, Vice President of Black River Publishing; Gordon Kerr, CEO, Black River Entertainment.

Pictured (L-R): Kelly Bolton, Catalog Manager, Black River Publishing; Dave Pacula, Creative Director, Black River Publishing; Ben Caver; Celia Froehlig, Vice President of Black River Publishing; Gordon Kerr, CEO, Black River Entertainment.

Vice President of Black River Publishing Celia Froehlig has announced the signing of Ben Caver to the Black River Publishing roster. Ben Caver grew up in Hoover, Alabama, and moved to Nashville after graduation to attend Belmont University. Prior to signing with Black River Publishing, Caver had business relationships with Sony/ATV, UMPG, and Patrick Joseph Music.

Caver penned “Relapse” for Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller project, “Aftermath” for Rascal Flatts’ Rewind, “I Remember You” for Trisha Yearwood’s Prizefighter album, and “‘Merica,” from Kenny Rogers’ You Can’t Make Old Friends.

Black River Publishing’s Creative Director Dave Pacula stated, “I am so excited to welcome Ben Caver to the family! We look forward to sharing great success with Ben as his undeniable songs and unmistakable voice continue to draw the attention of the industry’s top artists and executives.”

Caver added, “I am beyond thrilled to be joining the Black River Entertainment family! Dave Pacula has been a friend and mentor for several years, and I am so happy to be working with him again. Thank you Celia, Dave, and Kelly for what I believe is the beginning of something great!”

Promotion, Team Addition For Hart Street Management

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Luke Duran

Luke Duran

Nashville-based Hart Street Management has announced one promotion as well as an addition to its team.

Luke Duran is the newest member of the artist management team, as Management Director for Nashville and Los Angeles, working day-to-day with Hart Street’s management clients. The California native moved to Music City in 2014. His previous work has included developing websites for Sam Hunt and Lee Brice, and assisting in the daily management activities of Miami Horror and Viceroy.

“In the industry, passion plays such a large role in creating sustainable success, and the team of people I get to work with on a daily basis show no lack in that department,” says Duran. “I really couldn’t be more excited to kick down doors and make noise with the Hart Street team this year. Here’s to a great 2016.”

Hart Street Entertainment member Jessica Kwartler has also been promoted to Management Director for the New York and Texas markets. Her previous work includes time with Set List Agency and Tyler Sherritt Management.

Jessica Kwartler

Jessica Kwartler

First Round Of ACM Awards Performers Announced

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2015_acm_award_logo_tunein_rgb_type_041415Cam, Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban have been revealed as the first round of performers for the 51st annual ACM Awards, slated for Sunday, April 3, and airing on CBS.

Cam’s “Burning House” is up for Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Cam also garnered a nomination for New Female Vocalist of the Year. The video for “Burning House,” directed by Trey Fanjoy and produced by Trent Hardville, is nominated for Video of the Year. Cam is nominated twice in the Record of the Year category, as an artist and producer.

Meanwhile, Urban’s “Raise ‘Em Up” (ft. Eric Church) is up for Song of the Year

Underwood earned her 11th consecutive nomination in the Female Vocalist of the Year category. She has won this award four times, most recently in 2008 (presented in 2009).

Florida Georgia Line is nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year.

Chesney is nominated twice in the Vocal Event of the Year category (as an artist and producer), for “Wild Child” featuring Grace Potter. Chesney last won this award in 2007 (presented in 2008) for “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” with Tracy Lawrence, and Tim McGraw. In addition to Kenny Chesney’s ACM Awards performance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, as previously announced he will also be raced over to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds where he is headlining the last night of the 4th ACM Party for a Cause Festival.

This year’s ACM awards will be co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley.

Grand Ole Opry Releasing ‘Opry 9.0, Vol. II: Discoveries From The Circle’

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Grand Ole OpryThe Grand Ole Opry is releasing the second in a series of projects spotlighting new country music artists who will visit the show during its 90th anniversary year.

Opry 9.0, Vol II: Discoveries From The Circle will be released on March 8 and will include memorable live Opry performances from Chris Janson, Lindsay Ell, and Mo Pitney.

Janson and Ell are scheduled to perform songs from the EP on the Opry on March 8. The pair will also sign copies of the EP in The Opry Shop following that night’s show. Pitney and Ell will perform and appear at an in-store signing on March 25.

“As the Opry continues to celebrate nine decades of great country music, we are also focused on the new artists who are shaping the genre’s future,” said Steve Buchanan, Opry Entertainment President and co-executive producer. “Each of the three artists featured in this volume of Opry 9.0 has a unique style that has stood out to fans in the crowd and has made fellow artists at the Opry take note.”

TRACK LISTING:
1. Chris Janson, “Buy Me A Boat”
2. Chris Janson, “Holdin’ Her”
3. Lindsay Ell, “All Alright”
4. Lindsay Ell, “Criminal”
5. Mo Pitney, “Clean Up On Aisle Five”
6. Mo Pitney, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”

Lindsay Ell

Lindsay Ell

Chris Janson

Chris Janson

Mo Pitney

Mo Pitney

DISClaimer: Gretchen Peters, Woody Pines Top Americana Offerings

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Gretchen Peters

Gretchen Peters

Americana alert: Some of the genre’s top names are in today’s overview of current product — Buddy Miller, The Kennedys, Kate Campbell and Sierra Hull, for instance.

As good as their efforts are, the Disc of the Day unquestionably belongs to the divine Gretchen Peters.

The busker-style, good-time jazz of Woody Pines earns him a DisCovery Award. Cool billing. Cool music.

GRETCHEN PETERS/On A Bus To St. Cloud
Writers: Gretchen Peters; Producers:Doug Lancio, Gretchen Peters & Barry Walsh; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tunes/Purple Crayon, ASCAP: Scarlet Letter
-This Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member simply does not know how to make a sub-par recording. Her new one is even more breathtaking than usual. Titled The Essential Gretchen Peters, it is a double CD that is both a retrospective of her past work and a collection of formerly unreleased performances. The first CD includes this heart-stopping new rendition of a prayer-at-midnight tune previously popularized by Trisha Yearwood. Other highlights include the songwriter’s demo of “The Chill of an Early Fall,” an acoustic arrangement of “Independence Day,” her own versions of “The Secret of Life” and “If Heaven,” a Bryan Adams duet on “When You Love Someone” and a trio rendition of “Wild Horses” featuring Matraca Berg and Suzy Bogguss. Not to mention “When You Are Old,” “Blackbirds,” “Sunday Morning” and “When You Wish Upon a Star.” The woman is a goddess, people.

STONE CUPID/The Cardinal
Writer: Julie Christensen; Producers: Julie Christensen & Jeff Turmes; Publisher: Stone Cupid, BMI; Stone Cupid
-Stone Cupid is a five-piece East Nashville band that’s a vehicle for the songs of its leader, Julie Christensen. The CD’s title tune is a fascinating, dark slab of rock balladry with shuddering electric guitar and vocals that wail and snarl. Her punk roots are showing. Other writers on the collection include David Olney, Kevin Gordon and Leonard Cohen.

DAVID G. SMITH/First Love
Writer: none listed; Producer: Blue Miller; Publisher: none listed; DGS (track)
-This Nashville Americana veteran can always be counted on for excellent song craftsmanship. The new CD’s title tune is a hushed, aching meditation on a dying love. To put it bluntly, it’s a devastating minor masterpiece of grief. Elsewhere on the CD, you’ll find “In the Silence,” a ballad that tackles the tragedy of Alzheimer’s. The album’s cast includes such greats as Keb Mo, Jelly Roll Johnson, Mary Gauthier and Buddy Mondlock. Heartily recommended.

KATE CAMPBELL/Greensboro
Writers: none listed; Producer: Kate Campbell; Publisher: none listed; Large River (track)
-Campbell’s latest is titled The K.O.A. Tapes (Vol. 1). These are simple, living-room recordings, but her singular talent makes them eloquently listenable. Paul Simon’s “America,” Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee” and Skynyrd’s “Freebird” are here in unvarnished folk arrangements. Of her original songs, this portrait of the Civil Rights era stands out prominently. Lend her your ears, she’ll steal them away. I remain a committed fan.

WOODY PINES/Black Rat Swing
Writer: Ernest Lawlars; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Muddy Roots
-Bopping, boogie swinging, with deft guitar picking, slapped bass and spare percussion. These viper jazzbos are utterly charming, in a jaunty, busker kinda way.

Woody Pines on the set of "Black Rat Swing" video.

Woody Pines on the set of “Black Rat Swing” video.

SIERRA HULL/Weighted Mind
Writers: none listed; Producer Bela Fleck; Publishers: none listed; Rounder (track)
-The title tune of the mandolin virtuoso’s new CD has a choppy avant-garde rhythm and an unusual atonal melody. Her straightforward soprano singing keeps the jazzy outing grounded. Adventurous listening.

BUDDY MILLER & NIKKI LANE/Just Someone I Used To Know
Writer: Jack Clement; Producer: Buddy Miller; Publishers: Glad/Songs of PolyGram, BMI, New West (track)
–Cayamo Sessions at Sea is billed as by “Buddy Miller and Friends.” His duet partners on the collection of classic country tunes include Lee Ann Womack, Kacey Musgraves, Lucinda Williams, Elizabeth Cook, Kris Kristofferson and Richard Thompson. He tackles this vintage Porter & Dolly hit with Nikki Lane, but his harmony vocal sounds a little tentative and unconfident to these ears.

TAMMY JONES ROBINETTE & THE DRIVE/To Be A Kid Again
Writer: Tammy Jones Robinette; Producer: Mark Fain; Publishers: MJ&8, BMI; Rural Rhythm
-Enchanting, with a vocal performance straight from Southern Appalachia. The band includes such instrumental luminaries as Sam Bush, Rob Ickes, Ron Block and Aubrey Haynie, and you’ll find vocal support from the likes of Dale Ann Bradley, Jamie Dailey and Jimmy Fortune. Country with a bluegrass bent.

JIMMY AND THE MUSTANGS/Roll The Dice
Writer: Jimmy Haddox; Producers: Jimmy Haddox & Mark Youngersmith; Publishers: Mad Horse, ASCAP; JH (track)
-This roots rock ‘n’ roll band kicks off its Another Round CD with this horn-punctuated blues romp with more than a little rockabilly punch. Jitterbug music.

PETE KENNEDY/Union Square
Writer: Pete Kennedy; Producer: Pete Kennedy; Publisher: Parade of Echoes, BMI; The Kennedys
-Pete and his wife Maura comprise the enduring, 20th-anniversary Americana act The Kennedys. In the past year, they’ve issued a bonanza of music. There’s their group project, West (enthusiastically reviewed in this column last April) plus Maura’s highly recommended solo set titled Villanelle and, most recently, his song-cycle, extended love letter to New York City, Heart of Gotham. Pete leads his collection with this country rocker. It crackles to life with his soulful, hoarse vocal accompanied by jangling electric guitar and driving drumming (Pete plays all the instruments on the CD). By mid-song, you’re completely hooked. This set is a keeper.

 

The Road To Roo Reveals 16 Bands For Preliminary Round

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Road to Roo

The Road to Roo, presented by BMI and hosted by Lightning 100, has announced the bands that have been chosen for the preliminary round.

The 16 bands were chosen from more than 250 applicants by a group of judges from Lightning 100 and BMI. Fans can check out the bands at preliminary round showcases to be held at Acme Feed & Seed, with eight bands performing March 3 at 7 p.m., and eight bands playing on March 10 at 7 p.m.

Showcase attendees will be able to vote for their favorite band to advance to the next round of the competition, so fans are encouraged to arrive early and get a ballot.

The 16 bands are: OJR, Daphne and the Mystery Machines, Stagolee, Omega Swan, Cosmic Coast, Kid Freud, CAPPA, Shane Piasecki, Carey, Trenton, KiND, BRUNS, The Cold Stares, Jess Nolan, Roots of a Rebellion, and Heavy Sole.

Eight advancing bands will play at the city semifinals, to be held March 16 at Exit/In and March 22 at the Basement East, both at 8 p.m.

Four bands will advance to play March 31 at 3rd & Lindsley at 8 p.m. and the final band will advance to the Tennessee state finals at Mercy Lounge on April 4 at 9 p.m.

Artist Photos: Carrie Underwood, Aubrie Sellers, LOCASH, Kane Brown, Jennifer Nettles

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Carrie Underwood Welcomes CMA Backstage

Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside, Carrie Underwood, and Sarah Trahern. Photo: Matt Sperling

Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside, Carrie Underwood, and Sarah Trahern. Photo: Matt Sperling

Carrie Underwood visited backstage with Country Music Association (CMA) executives Damon Whiteside, Senior VP of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships and Sarah Trahern, Chief Executive Officer/CMA. The country star performed a sold-out performance in Philadelphia this week on her The Storyteller Tour: Stories In The Round. Read more at MusicRow.com about Underwood and select promotion staff insights into her latest record.

Aubrie Sellers Mingles at Ryman

Pictured (L-R): Ed Green, Aubrey Sellers, and JR Schumann. Photo: Kevin Grace

Pictured (L-R): Ed Green, Aubrey Sellers, and JR Schumann. Photo: Kevin Grace

Aubrie Sellers recently performed at the Ryman Auditorium and mingled backstage with Ed Green, VP of Promo at Red Light and JR Schumann from Sirius/XM. Sellers’ debut album, New City Blues, is available now.

LOCASH Takes Today

LOCASH on Today.

LOCASH on Today.

LOCASH appeared on NBC’s TODAY Show yesterday morning (Feb. 24). The Reviver Records duo, Chris Lucas and Preston Brust, debuted their MusicRow No. 1 single, “I Love This Life.” Today (Feb. 25), they are slated to debut their brand new single “I Know Somebody” (written by Ross Copperman, Jeremy Stover and Rhett Akins) on FOX & Friends in addition to making their late-night television debut on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! March 16.

Kane Brown Films Debut Video

Pictured (L-R): Steve Lamar (Exec Producer, Lamar Bros TV), Kane Brown, Scott McDaniel (VP, Creative Services, SMN), Martha Earls (Kane Brown Manager/ EFG Management), David Poag (Director).

Pictured (L-R): Steve Lamar (Exec Producer, Lamar Bros TV), Kane Brown, Scott McDaniel (VP, Creative Services, SMN), Martha Earls (Kane Brown Manager/ EFG Management), David Poag (Director).

RCA Records Nashville/Zone 4 recording artist Kane Brown poses for a photo at his sold-out show in in Charlotte, North Carolina at Coyote Joe’s where he filmed a music video for his debut single, “Used To Love You Sober.”

Jennifer Nettles Talks CMT Tour with Cody Alan

Pictured (L-R): Jennifer Nettles, Cody Allan.

Pictured (L-R): Jennifer Nettles, Cody Allan.

CMT Hot 20 host Cody Alan recently caught up with Jennifer Nettles at her CMT 2016 Next Women of Country Tour stop in Beaver Creek, Colorado. The tour includes Brandy Clark and special guests Lindsay Ell and Tara Thompson for over 30 dates across the USA and Canada. The CMT Hot 20 Countdown episode from the tour airs this Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27 and 28 at 9 a.m. ET/PT. Tour tickets can be purchased here.