Vince Gill To Receive E.W. “Bud” Wendell Award

Vince Gill

Vince Gill

Vince Gill will receive one of the hospitality industry’s top awards for contributions to the success of the tourism and convention business in Nashville. The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp announced today that Gill is the third recipient of the E.W. “Bud” Wendell Award, joining former Gov. Phil Bredesen and former Mayor Karl Dean.

“Whether he is playing guitar for All for the Hall, advocating for the Women’s Final Four or serving as Mayor of Smashville during the NHL All-Star Game, Vince Gill has contributed mightily to who we are as Music City,” said Ken Levitan, board chair of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and co-president of Vector Management. “There is no better ambassador to represent the diversity of music that is thriving in Music City than a musician who can go from traditional country to bluegrass to western swing to gospel to just about any kind of musical style with the ease that Vince does. Most of all, Vince embodies the kind of warmth that makes Nashville the friendliest city in the world, and Music City would not be who we are today without his numerous contributions.”

Gill will be presented the E.W. “Bud” Wendell Award at Nashville’s National Tourism Week Hospitality Industry Celebration, which will take place on May 3 at 11:30 a.m. at the Karl F. Dean Grand Ballroom at the Music City Center. Nashville Mayor Megan Barry will offer the keynote address. Registration to attend the luncheon is still open.

The E.W. “Bud” Wendell Award honors the work of a Nashville business executive who helped make Nashville into the music entertainment center it is today. Wendell began his career with the National Life and Accident Insurance Company (then the parent company of WSM and the Grand Ole Opry). He was named manager of the Grand Ole Opry in 1968 and was ultimately named president and CEO of Gaylord Entertainment in 1991. He expanded the Opryland Hotel into Nashville’s largest convention facility, and he oversaw Gaylord’s renovation of the Ryman Auditorium and the opening of the Wildhorse Saloon dance club, which helped revive a declining downtown Nashville. Wendell is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

NSAI Song Contest Winners Announced

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The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and Country Music Television (CMT) have revealed the winners for the 16th annual NSAI Song Contest Presented by CMT.

The grand prize winner this year is “PatiOasis,” penned by Blaine Younger of Olathe, Kansas. Younger will receive $5000 cash, and a mentoring session with EMI Records Nashville artist Eric Paslay. Additional prizes include a one-year single song contract with Warner/Chappell, live performances at the 2016 Tin Pan South Songwriters festival and Bluebird Cafe, and a three-day trip to Nashville.

This year’s Lyric-Only winner is “No Country For Old Men,” written by Jeff Tiffin of Aubrey, Texas, and co-writer Steve Geery. Tiffin receives a mentoring session with artist and Creative Nation writer Lori McKenna, along with additional prizes.

Twenty others songs received “Runner-Up” or “Honorable Mention” status. More than 2,000 entries were received, and judged by a panel of industry professionals. All of the top songs and entrants can be seen at nashvillesongwriters.com.

Sponsors this year include ASCAP, BMI, CMT, Loews Vanderbilt Hotel Nashville, SESAC, Warner/Chappell Music and We Make Tapes & Discs.

Legislation Aims To Make Touring In U.S. Easier For Canadian Artists

legal imageThree U.S. Representatives have introduced bipartisan legislation that aims to streamline the process for allowing Canadian artists to perform in the United States.

The Bringing Entertainment Artists to the States (BEATS) ACT hopes to speed the process of obtaining a P-2 visa, bringing the process more in line with similar streamlining recently set in place by the Canadian government for American artists visiting Canada. This reform will make it easier for Canadian artists to bring their talents to American consumers while not compromising U.S. security or border protection procedures.

The P-2 classification applies to persons entering the U.S. temporarily to perform as an artist or entertainer, individually or as part of a group, who will perform under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the United States and an organization in another country.

The BEATS Act was introduced by U.S. Representatives Dave Trott (MI-11), Chris Collins (NY-27) and Peter Welch (VT-AL).

The BEATS Act has been supported by the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), The Recording Academy, the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), and their member labels.

Rep. Trott

Rep. Trott

“Canadian entertainers and the economic impact they bring are important for communities in Southeast Michigan and throughout our country. This simple, common sense reform will allow these artists to bring their skills to the U.S. and provide entertainment for millions of American music fans. The concerts, tours, and music sales created by these artists mean a lot to Michigan’s economy and I’m hopeful this legislation will continue to garner bipartisan support in Congress,” said Trott, a lifelong resident of Southeast Michigan.

“Small businesses and communities across Western New York need a dependable visa process when booking Canadian artists.  This common-sense legislation is vital to ensuring entertainment venues and all the American jobs they bring are not economically impacted by a slow and unreliable admissions process,” said Collins.

“Vermont and Canada share much more than a border.  Our economies are interwoven and our citizens share a deep appreciation of the arts and culture on both sides of the border. When Canadian artists book performances in Vermont, they provide diverse entertainment for Vermonters as well as a boost to the local economy. Our legislation will streamline the visa approval process for Canadian entertainers so that ticket holders and local businesses won’t be harmed by last minute show cancellations due to excessive red tape,” said Welch.

“We commend Representatives Trott, Collins, and Welch for their bipartisan leadership and recognition of both the economic and cultural benefits this legislation will provide Americans and local businesses,” said Richard Burgess, CEO of the American Association of Independent Music. “It’s an issue of special importance to independent record labels, many of which are small businesses that depend on a predictable and reasonable visa approval timeline. The BEATS Act is a bipartisan, common sense proposal that will create jobs in the American music industry.”

 

Jerrod Niemann Signs With Curb Records

 

Pictured (standing): Mike Rogers (National Director, Promotion), Ryan Dokke (VP, Promotion), John Nemoy (VP, Legal Affairs), Mike Curb (Chairman, The Curb Group), LeAnn Phelan (Sea Gayle Management). Seated: Jim Ed Norman (CEO, The Curb Group), Jerrod Niemann, Tiffany Dunn (Loeb & Loeb)

Pictured (standing): Mike Rogers (National Director, Promotion), Ryan Dokke (VP, Promotion), John Nemoy (VP, Legal Affairs), Mike Curb (Chairman, The Curb Group), LeAnn Phelan (Sea Gayle Management). Seated: Jim Ed Norman (CEO, The Curb Group), Jerrod Niemann, Tiffany Dunn (Loeb & Loeb)

Curb Records has signed country artist Jerrod Niemann to their artist roster.

A Kansas native, Niemann first made a name for himself as a songwriter, with several cuts from the iconic Garth Brooks, including the 2005 hit “Good Ride Cowboy.” His breakout single, 2010’s “Lover, Lover,” became one of the most-played songs of the year, topping the singles chart, and was later certified platinum. His follow-up, “What Do You Want,” also hit the top ten and was certified gold. Other hits in the Niemann catalog include “One More Drinkin’ Song” and “Drink To That All Night.” The singer has been on the road this year with his new labelmate, Lee Brice.

“One thing that Nashville has always been proud of is its heritage and I’m lucky enough to be a part of the most historic independent record label in the music industry and wear my Curb jersey proud,” says Niemann.

Jim Ed Norman, CEO of The Curb Group shared “We’re delighted and privileged that Jerrod is joining the Curb Records Family. His longstanding association and friendship with others at the label, both artists and executives alike, further enhances that spirit of family, camaraderie and teamwork, which are the attributes of any successful company and the characteristics to which we aspire each and every day.”

A single is slated for this spring from Niemann’s debut project on Curb Records.

Cracker Barrel To Enter Vinyl Market With Joey+Rory Release

Cracker Barrel_570Cracker Barrel Old Country Store will make its entrance into the vinyl market with an exclusive collector’s edition vinyl version of Joey+Rory‘s chart-topping album Hymns That Are Important To Us.

The vinyl album will release this spring, to honor the life of Joey Martin Feek, who died on March 4 after a battle with cancer.

Cracker Barrel has released albums for a variety of artists since 2005. Recent partnerships have included a cappella group Pentatonix, as well as artists including Dolly Parton, Josh Turner, Wynonna, Michael W. Smith, Alabama and many more.

Cracker Barrel was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee, and operates 635 company-owned locations in 42 states.

In Pictures: Steve Moakler, Morgan Myles, Cyndi Lauper, Kalie Shorr, Newsboys

Steve Moakler Makes Opry Debut

Steve Moakler made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, March 19, where he performed his current radio single, “Suitcase,” and a new song off his Creative Nation Records EP, Steel Town. Joining Moakler for the momentous evening were his wife, Gracie, his parents (who came in from Pittsburgh), his producer, Luke Laird and his Creative Nation management team.

PHOTO (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): Luke Laird (Producer/Creative Nation), Steve Moakler, Pete Fisher (Grand Ole Opry)

Pictured (L-R) Luke Laird (Producer/Creative Nation), Steve Moakler, Pete Fisher (Grand Ole Opry)

 

Morgan Myles Joins CMT Empowering Education Event In Knoxville

Morgan Myles performed at a CMT Empowering Education event held at Pellissippi State Community College (PSCC) in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Friday, March 18. CMT Empowering Education encourages viewers to pursue post-secondary education. This event was one of 15 that CMT is hosting at community colleges across the United States this year, helping to put a face on education by highlighting student success stories.

Myles, a Belmont University graduate and former student of Berklee, discussed the importance of education in her life. She performed a handful of recognizable cover tunes and her original songs, “Nobody Better Than You,” “Adeline” and “Whiskey Dreaming,” from her independently released EP Miss Morgan Myles.

Pictured (L-R): Kaylan Goodwin, CMT; Phil Hughley, Morgan Myles Guitar Player; Thad Witherspoon, Morgan Myles Drummer; Sarah Gaffney, CMT; Darius Mines, Morgan Myles Keyboard Player; Morgan Myles; Julia Blosil, CMT; Brent Morrison, Theatre Manager, PSCC; Lucia Folk, CMT. Photo: Courtesy of Morgan Myles

Pictured (L-R): Kaylan Goodwin, CMT; Phil Hughley, Morgan Myles Guitar Player; Thad Witherspoon, Morgan Myles Drummer; Sarah Gaffney, CMT; Darius Mines, Morgan Myles Keyboard Player; Morgan Myles; Julia Blosil, CMT; Brent Morrison, Theatre Manager, PSCC; Lucia Folk, CMT. Photo: Courtesy of Morgan Myles

 

Cyndi Lauper Visits Cumulus Media’s NASH Campus

Cyndi Lauper stopped by Cumulus Media’s NASH Campus and yesterday to talk about her new country album Detour with NASH Nights Live co-host Elaina Smith.
PHOTO ID's: (L to R) Cyndi Lauper and NASH Nights Live Co-Host Elaina Smith.

Pictured (L-R): Cyndi Lauper and NASH Nights Live Co-Host Elaina Smith

 

Kalie Shorr Plays Perez Hilton’s One Night In Austin

Rising country artist Kalie Shorr recently played Perez Hilton’s One Night In Austin SXSW show, to benefit VH1’s Save The Music. Shorr’s song “Fight Like A Girl” has been featured on SiriusXM’s The Highway, and added to Radio Disney Country and Spotify’s New Boots playlist.

Kalie Shorr and Perez Hilton

Kalie Shorr and Perez Hilton

 

Newsboys Attend ‘God’s Not Dead 2’ Hollywood Premiere

CCM group Newsboys attended the Hollywood premiere of God’s Not Dead 2 on Monday (March 21) at the Director’s Guild of America. The band, who appears in the Pure Flix film and contributes the theme song “Guilty,” were joined by Audio Adrenaline vocalist Adam Agee.

The premiere was attended by motion picture industry personnel and media representatives.

Pictured (L-R): Audio Adrenaline’s Adam Agee; Korie and Sadie Robertson; Newsboys’ Michael Tait and Duncan Phillips

Pictured (L-R): Audio Adrenaline’s Adam Agee; Korie and Sadie Robertson;
Newsboys’ Michael Tait and Duncan Phillips

 

Chris Stapleton Partners With Ram Trucks, ACM Lifting Lives For Hometown Concert

14476-123A2940Chris Stapleton and Ram Trucks, in conjunction with ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music, today announced a partnership that will see Stapleton return to Johnson Central High School, his alma mater, located in his hometown of Paintsville, Kentucky.

During the visit, Ram Nation volunteers (a grassroots team of Ram truck owners) and students from the Johnson Central High School carpentry program will dedicate an outdoor performance space, The Golden Eagle Stage Powered By RAM Trucks, for the school’s use. It will be located on the grounds of Johnson Central High School, and was constructed by JCHS carpentry students in conjunction with Ram Nation volunteers.

In addition, Stapleton will perform a closed afternoon concert for students, educators and administrators at the Johnson Central High School Gymnasium. Later that evening, Stapleton will return to the same stage for his sold-out ‘Ram Trucks Hometown Concert’ for the Paintsville community.

“While the story of Chris Stapleton may not be widely known, it’s one of pride, dedication and perseverance, all values important to our Ram truck owners,” said Marissa Hunter, Director of Brand Advertising, FCA US. “It’s a great opportunity and honor for us to go back to Paintsville with Chris to document his return to the place that built his character and work-ethic. Ram will be creating videos from this experience to show millions of people the very special town and moments that made Chris the man he is today.”

Chris stapleton

DISClaimer: Mary Chapin Carpenter Shines On Latest Release

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Mary Chapin Carpenter

This week’s column abounds with newcomers.

But it’s a veteran star, Mary Chapin Carpenter, who easily walks off with the Disc of the Day award.

As I said, there is no shortage of claimants for the DisCovery Award. All making their bows in DisClaimer are Dave Insley, The Darlins and our winning Two Way Crossing. I love the way the male and female voices interact in that band.

I’d have given the honor to Thomas Michael Riley, who is also new in this column. But according to his website, he has 10 albums and has already won plenty of honors in Texas. So that would seem weird. But I do like him a whole lot.

Two Way Crossing

Two Way Crossing

KENT BLAZY/Footsteps Of Dylan
Writer: Kent Blazy, Producer: Kent Blazy, Publisher: none listed; KB (track)
– Singer-songwriter Kent Blazy has two new collections. One, titled Me & Garth, contains his versions of songs that the superstar popularized (”Somewhere Other Than the Night,” “Ain’t Going Down,” “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” etc.). The other is called New Songs From Old Guitars. It includes this ode to a man who revolutionized American songwriting. Fittingly, it begins as an acoustic-guitar tune then shifts gears into a wailing rocker. Throughout, Blazy’s voice is urgent and passionate. Recommended.

DEREK HOKE/Southern Moon
Writers: Derek Hoke/Dexter Green; Producer: Dexter Green; Publishers: Slow Hoke/Made With Black Ink, BMI/ASCAP; Little Hollywood
– He has an attractive tenor voice, and the track has a bluesy, swampy vibe shot though with organ and harmonica passages. This is the title tune of a Nashville-recorded collection that is all self-penned. Hoke’s live shows are dandy, too.

THE DARLINS/Crush
Writers: Jude Toy/Erinn Bates; Producer: Buddy Hyatt; Publishers: none listed, BMI/SESAC; The Darlins (track)
– This female duo has a sensuous sound on this slow burning track. A resonator guitar weaves through the arrangement as they languidly drawl their desire in harmony. Feverish.

The Darlins

The Darlins

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER/Map Of My Heart
Writer: Mary Chapin Carpenter; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Why Walk, ASCAP; Lambent Light
-I love the brisk, crisp texture of this lightly rocking performance. Carpenter sounds like “the Everly Sisters” as the rhythm section throbs relentlessly and the electric guitar gooses the track with some deep twang. It goes without saying that her lyrics are totally evocative. Brilliant work. The forthcoming (May 6) album that contains this will be titled The Things That We Are Made Of. Get this now on her website for an advance taste.

TWO WAY CROSSING/Deja Vu
Writers: Jenny Marvin/Ryan Sorestad; Producers: Jay Tooke/Craig Wilson; Publishers: none listed; TWC (track)
– The title tune to this five-piece band’s six-song EP starts softly. Then everyone kicks in on harmonies and instruments, and it’s katie-bar-the-door. These kids have the goods. A celebration in sound.

ZAC BROWN/Grandma’s Garden
Writers: Skip Ewing/Donny Kees; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Sony-ATV Acuff Rose/Write On, BMI; Elektra (track)
– Producer Dave Cobb was inspired at his grandmother’s funeral in Georgia to craft a concept album called Southern Family. It boasts a bevy of talent including Jamey Johnson, Morgane & Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Brandy Clark and Jason Isbell. Along with John Paul White’s performance of “Simple Song,” Brown’s track is a centerpiece, since it directly addresses lessons passed through the generations. Lee Ann Womack supplies a lovely harmony vocal. Sweet and touching. The whole album is a gem.

Dave Insley

Dave Insley

DAVE INSLEY/Just The Way That I Am
Writers: Dave Insley; Producer: Dave Insley; Publisher: none listed; Dir (track)
– The rootsy, ragged title tune of Insley’s Austin album twangs in all the right places. He’s not the world’s strongest singer, but there’s sincerity in every note. Guests on the album include Kelly Willis, Redd Volkaert and Dale Watson. If you’re headed for the Texas capital, you’ll find Insley and his Careless Smokers holding forth at The White Horse every Saturday night.

DARWIN MACON/This Ain’t The Love
Writers: Darwin Macon/Brad Ward; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Lil Red Caboose, BMI; DM
– The tempo is so sluggish that it’s the aural equivalent of walking through molasses.

TED RUSSELL KAMP/Life On The River
Writers: Ted Russell Kamp/Kirsten Proffit; Producer: Ted Russell Kamp; Publishers: Steady Teddy, ASCAP/BMI; Pomo (track)
– Bass player Kamp has worked as a sideman for everyone from Shooter Jennings to Wilson Phillips. But his self-penned albums are gradually bringing him the solo spotlight he deserves. His baritone vocal on this lead-off track of his CD Flying Solo is wonderfully resonant. As a songwriter, he knows just where to put the hooks. You recording artists out there should start plundering his songs pronto.

THOMAS MICHAEL RILEY/Ten Toes Up
Writers: Thomas Michael Riley; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Thomas Michael, BMI; TMR
– It’s a lively country rocker with an electric guitar answering each of his wry vocal lines. I’m completely smitten with this. Send me more, more, more of his true-Texas music.

Thomas Michael Riley

Thomas Michael Riley

Peter Frampton, Neil Portnow, Mike Curb To Attend Grammy Museum Gallery Nashville Opening

Pictured (L-R): Peter Frampton, Neil Portnow, Mike Curb

Pictured (L-R): Peter Frampton, Neil Portnow, Mike Curb

Musicians Hall of Fame inductee Peter Frampton, President/CEO of The Recording Academy Neil Portnow, and Chairman and Founder of Curb Records Mike Curb will be in Nashville for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the Grammy Museum Gallery™ at Musicians Hall of Fame on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 1 p.m.

Other guests will include Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and Bob Santelli, Executive Director of the GRAMMY Museum® at L.A. LIVE.

The GRAMMY Museum Gallery at Musicians Hall of Fame is an interactive music space that allows guests the opportunity to explore the history of the GRAMMY Awards, and offers visitors the experience of performing onstage and interacting with every aspect of the recording process.

“Our collection of iconic musical instruments that have been used in the studio and live by some of the greatest musicians in the world, coupled with the GRAMMY Museum Gallery’s state-of-the-art, interactive and educational booths, will be a great experience for all visitors to Music City,” said Joe Chambers, Founder/Executive Director of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.

Exclusive: Nashville’s Sierra Hull Unites Singing, Songwriting, Mandolin On New Album

Pictured (L-R): Craig Shelburne, Troy Stephenson, Justin Moses, Sierra Hull, Ethan jodziewicz, Sherod Robertson, Jessica Nicholson

Pictured (L-R): Craig Shelburne, Troy Stephenson, Justin Moses, Sierra Hull, Ethan Jodziewicz, Sherod Robertson, Jessica Nicholson

Sierra Hull grew up as a bluegrass prodigy from rural Tennessee, and now she’s a Nashville resident with a record deal, a high-profile producer, and a brand new album that’s spent multiple weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s bluegrass albums chart.

Produced by Grammy-winning banjo player Béla Fleck, Weighted Mind is Hull’s first release in five years. Just prior to issuing the project on Nashville-based Rounder Records on January 29, she threw a local record release party at City Winery. After several weeks on tour this winter, she dropped by MusicRow on a rare day off to perform three tracks from the album.

“The whole album is centered around the idea of mandolin and voice, so that’s what Béla and I first started working on,” she said. “We took some of these songs that I had written and just started with mandolin and voice. We were trying to make it as much about the lyric and the song as possible, and from there, sprinkling in a little bit of harmony, bass, and banjo.”

Sierra Hull, Weighted MindFleck plays banjo on the record, but in performance, Hull often performs with banjo player-singer Justin Moses. Ethan Jodziewicz contributes bass on tour and on the record. Alison Krauss, Rhiannon Giddens, and Abigail Washburn all lend to their vocals to the album, which was recorded at Sanctuary Studios in Nashville.

Although she possesses a sweet soprano herself, Hull’s original material leans toward the sadder side. She learned the only cover song on the album, “Queen of Hearts,” from an old Joan Baez record, then modernized it with one of her own instrumental compositions, “Royal Tea.”

Asked if she’s always been attracted to tragic songs, Hull laughed and replied, “I have in a way. I grew up playing bluegrass music [where] all the melodies are really happy but the lyrics are tragic anyway. So, I think I just stuck with the tragic lyrics, but made my music tragic too.”

After a laugh, she added, “This whole project is filled with songs that I wrote and a lot of them are very personal. It feels like my most vulnerable album so far, from a lyrical standpoint. But I tend to write more when I’m in that place, than when I do when I’m my generally happy self.”

A native of Byrdstown, Tennessee, Hull moved to Nashville five or six years ago, after completing a two-year program at Berklee School of Music in Boston. Although she’s an accomplished mandolin player, another instrument first attracted her attention.

 Pictured (L-R) Justin Moses, Sierra Hull, Ethan Jodziewicz

Pictured (L-R): Justin Moses, Sierra Hull, Ethan Jodziewicz

“You know, I originally wanted to play fiddle,” she recalled. “When I was 8 years old, I decided I wanted to get an instrument. My dad was learning to play a mandolin a little bit at that time so I definitely was around the mandolin. I had a great uncle on my mom’s side of the family and he lived just up the road, and he played mandolin and fiddle too. But for whatever reason, I thought, ‘Maybe I’ll play the fiddle.’ I got one for Christmas and it was full-size. It was just too big for how old I was at that point. “

Since she could barely hold the instrument, let alone play it, she said her father offered to show her some tunes on the mandolin, to cheer her up. Rather than sulking, she immediately clicked with the mandolin and she’s never looked back.

“I think that was to save my disappointment but for whatever reason I just fell in love with the mandolin and kept at it,” she said. “I started going to local festivals, and from there just fell in love with it, and the community of all of the musicians I was meeting, and didn’t want to do anything else.”

Pictured (L-R): Justin Moses, Sierra Hull, Ethan Jodziewicz

Pictured (L-R): Justin Moses, Sierra Hull, Ethan Jodziewicz