2016 MusicRow Awards: Song Of The Year

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MusicRow’s Song of the Year honors Nashville writers and publishers on the craft of songwriting, not necessarily chart performance.

Finalists for the 2016 MusicRow Awards, Nashville’s longest-running music industry trade publication honors, were revealed earlier this week.

SONG OF THE YEAR NOMINEES:
Publishing information included inside nominee announcement.

“Burning House”
Cam shared a devastating dream with her co-writers Tyler Johnson and Jeff Bhasker, leading them to write “Burning House.” The ballad established Cam’s career at country radio, earned a Grammy nomination and achieved platinum status.

“Buy Me a Boat”
Chris Janson sailed to stardom after “Buy Me a Boat” caught the attention of country radio, CMT and millions of fans. Co-written with Chris DuBois, the tune has more hooks than a tackle box and became one of the summer’s biggest hits.

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“Humble and Kind”
Lori McKenna wrote “Humble and Kind” as a letter to her children, but its wise message reached Tim McGraw too. With his own daughters growing up and leaving home, his perspective and believability resonated with listeners of every age.

“Peter Pan”
Even before it was a single, Kelsea Ballerini says she saw “Peter Pan” connect with girls at her shows. Written with Forest Glen Whitehead and Jesse Lee, the song shows the heartache that comes from loving someone who won’t let a relationship mature.

“Record Year”
When the breakup is final, you turn to vinyl. That’s the theme of Eric Church’s “Record Year,” where he drops the needle on heroes like Willie Nelson and Stevie Wonder. Co-written with Jeff Hyde, the song shows the healing power of music.

The MusicRow Awards are often a key predictor for select CMA Awards categories. For example, Song of the Year honors at both ceremonies went to “Girl Crush” (2015), “I Drive Your Truck” (2013), “If I Die Young” (2011), “The House That Built Me” (2010) and “In Color” (2009).

The MusicRow Awards will be presented at a private ceremony at BMI on Wednesday, June 29. Winners are determined solely by MusicRow subscribers. See the final nominees.

Voting closes on Tuesday, May 24 at 5 p.m. If you do not have a subscription, you may subscribe to receive your ballot.

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Black River Entertainment Promotes Emily Hungate To VP

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Black River Entertainment's Vice President of Business Operations Emily Hungate. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Emily Hungate. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Black River Entertainment’s Emily Hungate has been promoted to Vice President, Business Operations for the entertainment company. She was previously Senior Director, Finance and Business Affairs.

“Emily’s hard work and commitment to Black River continues to help us become the company we are striving to be,” said BRE’s CEO Gordon Kerr. “I’m proud to highlight her accomplishments and announce this promotion to Vice President of Business Operations.”

A graduate of the University of Miami with a Masters Degree in Music Business and Entertainment Industries, Hungate joined Black River Entertainment in 2010.

“My work with Black River has been the most meaningful of my career,” said Hungate. “I am grateful to Gordon for both his leadership and guidance as my position within the company grows. I look forward to continuing to work with the entire Black River team as we pursue and achieve our collective goals.”

Expanding her role in the music industry as well as within Black River, Hungate is currently serving on the 2016 Service Committee for SOURCE. Continuing to have an active role in financial and business affairs for all of Black River Entertainment’s entities, her duties also include licensing and royalty administration.

Hungate continues to report to Kerr and can be reached at 615-780-3084 or [email protected].

Belmont Student Katie Pruitt Earns BMI Foundation Scholarship

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Pictured: (L-R): BMI Foundation’s Clay Bradley, scholarship winner Katie Pruitt, BMI’s Camellia Petty and Gary Cannizzo. Photo: Steve Lowry

Pictured: (L-R): BMI Foundation’s Clay Bradley, scholarship winner Katie Pruitt, BMI’s Camellia Petty and Gary Cannizzo. Photo: Steve Lowry

The BMI Foundation awarded a $5,000 scholarship this week to Katie Pruitt, a Belmont student.

“First of all, I want to thank my parents,” Pruitt said from the podium. “When I was a little girl I put on productions in my garage and they even supported me then, even though it was crazy. I want to thank my friends because they’re awesome and honest and cool and always have my back.”

She continued, “I want to thank the professors at Belmont that are always so supportive and just take the time to talk to you, and take the time answer questions, and take the time to listen to your music, and give you honest feedback. It’s just a safe place. I’m happy I ended up there. It’s definitely where I belonged. I also want to thank BMI for supporting new music and giving people a chance to find themselves through a song because it’s so important.”

Before playing the award-winning song, “Ordinary,” she added, “A couple of years ago I was at school in Athens, Georgia, at a little community college down there, and I was just doing the freshman thing, going to bars and drinking and didn’t know who I was and didn’t really know what I wanted to do. So I wrote this song in the midst of all that.”

The BMI Foundation routinely awards scholarships, grants and commission to songwriters around the country, but this award marks the first given to someone in the Nashville songwriting community.

Pruitt was voted the unanimous winner by a panel of top songwriters, including BMI songwriters Kacey Musgraves, Rodney Clawson and Mark Brown. The foundation celebrated with a reception in the BMI Nashville office on Monday (May 15).

Weekly Chart Report (5/20/16)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

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Heather Davis Joins NASH FM 103.3 As Host Of Middays

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Heather Davis

Heather Davis

Cumulus Media has announced radio personality Heather Davis as the new host of middays for WKDF/NASH FM 103.3 in Nashville.

Davis joins NASH FM 103.3 from Curtis Media’s Country-formatted WQDR-FM in Raleigh, North Carolina. Prior to that, she hosted mornings on Country station WGNA-FM in Albany, New York, and hosted middays for Townsquare Media’s Country 106.5 WYRK in Buffalo, New York. Davis is a graduate of North Carolina State University.

Charlie Cook, Operations Manager, Cumulus Media-Nashville and Vice President, Country, for Cumulus Media said, “The minute I heard Heather’s audio I knew that she was the sound we need on WKDF. I love her varied on-air experience and she is a social media monster, which is so important today. We are looking forward to Heather joining radio’s best company in one of America’s best cities.”

Davis added, “I am so incredibly excited to be joining the NASH 103.3 team. It’s a dream come true to be living and working in the home of country music. I can’t wait to experience my first CMA Music Fest and all that Nashville has to offer.”

Davis replaces longtime WKDF radio personality Becca Walls, who recently resigned from the position earlier this month.

Jake Owen Releases Track Listing, Cover Art For ‘American Love’

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Jake Owen‘s latest RCA Nashville project, American Love, will showcase the writing talent of several of Nashville’s top tunesmiths when it is released on July 29. The project includes the work of writers including Jaren Johnston, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Nathan Chapman, Andrew Dorff, Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Matt Dragstrem, Paul Reter, Brent Stenzel, and more.

In addition to contributing songs, Chris Stapleton and Hillary Lindsey also provided background vocals on the project.

“This record has been very enlightening because I found myself through the songs. I got back to basics with American Love,” Owen says of the project. “This is me, this is what I want to say and this is what I want people to remember me for.”

Producers/songwriters Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman co-produced eight of the tracks (one of those with Luke Laird). For the first time in his career, Owen is a co-producer on three tracks with Lukas Bracewell.

“Over the past few years I’ve experienced the unexpected,” he says. “My dad received a cancer diagnosis and I, unfortunately, went through a divorce. People probably thought I would record songs that reflected those difficult times, but I found myself gravitating to songs that had more of a positive vibe and actually made me feel better by singing them. Music truly does seem to help the healing process. I can’t wait for people to hear these new tunes. We just added a horn section to my band out on the road and the energy I feel on stage with these guys takes it to another level.”

American Love follows Owen’s 2013 project Days of Gold, which included hits “Beachin,” and “What We Ain’t Got.”

American Love Track Listing:

1. “American Love”
Jaren Johnston/Luke Laird
Produced by Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman

2. “After Midnight”
Rodney Dale Clawson/Matt Dragstrem/Shane McAnally
Produced by Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman

3. “Where I Am”
Ross Copperman/Hillary Lindsey/Shane McAnally
Produced by Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman

4. “Everybody Dies Young”
Ross Copperman/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne/Scott Stepakoff
Produced by Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman

5. “VW Van”
Paul Reter/Brent Stenzel
Produced by Lukas Bracewell and Jake Owen

6. “Good Company”
Matt Alderman/Tommy Cecil/Jared Mullins
Produced by Lukas Bracewell and Jake Owen

7. “LAX”
Nathan Chapman/Andrew Dorff/Jake Owen
Produced by Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman

8. “If He Ain’t Gonna Love You”
Luke Laird/Shane McAnally/Chris Stapleton
Produced by Shane McAnally and Luke Laird and Ross Copperman

9. “When You Love Someone”
Blair Daly/Hillary Lindsey/Sean McConnell
Produced by Lukas Bracewell and Jake Owen

10. “You Ain’t Going Nowhere”
Ross Copperman/Dallas Davidson/Ashley Gorley
Produced by Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman

11. American Country Love Song
Ross Copperman/Ashley Gorley/Jaren Johnston
Produced by Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman

Chris Janson To Launch 100+ City Buy Me A Boat Tour

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Chris Janson performs at Nashville's All For The Hall event in 2016. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

Chris Janson performs at Nashville’s All For The Hall event in 2016. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

Chris Janson will bring his Buy Me A Boat Tour to more than 100 cities throughout the summer.

Approximately half of the tour dates were announced on Thursday (May 19), including dates in Maryland, Kentucky, California, Missouri, Washington, Michigan, Mississippi, and more.

The remaining tour dates will be announced separately throughout the summer, according to a Warner Music Nashville representative.

“I’m extremely excited about the Buy Me a Boat Tour this summer,” Janson said. “Performing is one of my favorite things to do. I love to be on stage and thrive on the energy from the crowd. With more than 100 dates on the tour this summer, it’s going to be in full swing. I’m looking forward to it!”

Janson is nominated for Breakthrough Artist and “Buy Me a Boat” is nominated for Song of the Year at the upcoming 28th annual MusicRow awards.

For a full list of announced dates, visit chrisjanson.com.

 

LifeNotes: “The Bluegrass Storyteller” James King Passes

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James King

James King. Photo: Julie Lillard King

James King, a Grammy-nominated bluegrass artist signed to Rounder Records, died Thursday afternoon (May 19), according to a spokesperson from the label. He was 57 years old.

Affectionately known as “The Bluegrass Storyteller,” King was well-known in the bluegrass community for starting to cry (along with the audience) when he sang sad songs. His 2013 album, Three Chords and the Truth, was nominated for a Grammy for best bluegrass album. The project gave a bluegrass arrangement to weepers like “Chiseled in Stone” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”

King was also a recovering alcoholic who suffered complications from a prolonged battle with cirrhosis of the liver. He died peacefully, surrounded by family and close friends, including his longtime girlfriend, Becky Rhodes; his brothers Andy and Jason, and sister-in-law Leticia; his aunts Debbie Moxley and Nadine Isley; and friends Junior and Susan Sisk, Dudley and Sally Connell, Harry and Louise Rhodes, and Charlie Snelling.

Born in Martinsville, Virginia on September 9, 1958, and raised in Carroll County, King grew up immersed in bluegrass. Both his father and his uncle were professional bluegrass musicians, and during his formative years, King was surrounded by music.

Following a stint in the Marine Corps, King decided to follow family tradition, and launched his musical career. He was signed to Rounder Records in 1992, where he released a series of critically acclaimed and award-winning albums, including his last recording for the label, Three Chords and the Truth.

Among his many achievements, King was a 12-time Bluegrass Music Award Winner, and in 1997, the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) voted the James King Band the Emerging Artist of the Year.

In 2014, King was inducted into the Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame. Alison Krauss sent along the following remarks, which were read at the ceremony: “Nine years ago, my father and I heard a man singing in a jam session between two campers in Maryland when it was pitch black outside. Our jaws hung open, and then we had to search the festival site to retrieve the top of my head. The voice we heard was magnificent. It was so powerful, emotive, haunting, and one of a kind. It was you, singing ‘Cry, Cry, Darlin.’ We had the opportunity to speak with you, and found your spirit and generosity shared the same qualities. I’m so happy you are receiving this award. How proud the state of Virginia must be to be able to claim you as their own, and to give this award to someone whose voice has taken so many of us back to another time when life had such a beautiful, simple dream attached to it. Congratulations James King. FANTASTIC!!!”

Rounder Records co-founder Ken Irwin signed King in 1992, and produced a number of his recordings for the label. Irwin reflects, “James had an uncanny ability to wring the emotion out of every song he sang, and he was one of the most intuitive singers in all of bluegrass. He sang from and to the heart, and had the rare gift of being able to make audiences feel, no matter what it was he was singing about. He was a born storyteller, and loved to tell stories before, during, and after songs.” He continues, “His love of singing and entertaining came through in everything he did, and those qualities made him one of the most popular and beloved artists on the bluegrass circuit. James’ big voice was only matched by his outsize personality. He was my friend, and I will miss him.”

King was predeceased by his daughter Shelby Ann, who died in 2012. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.

Cassadee Pope Previews ‘Summer’ EP At Downtown Party

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Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta, Cassadee Pope, Jimmy Harnen. Photo: courtesy BMLG

Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta, Cassadee Pope, Jimmy Harnen. Photo: courtesy BMLG

BMLG artist Cassadee Pope welcomed industry members to a private listening party at Nashville ultra-HD streaming studio Aurora on Wednesday (May 18) for an early listen to her upcoming Summer EP, slated to release June 3.

Pope, along with BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta, welcomed the packed room to a Q&A session, where Pope discussed each track on the EP. Pope penned three of the four songs, including the title track, which will be her next radio single.

Corey Crowder produced Pope’s Summer EP.

Pictured (L-R): Cassadee Pope, Corey Crowder. Photo: courtesy BMLG

Pictured (L-R): Cassadee Pope, Corey Crowder. Photo: courtesy BMLG

“I’m so excited to be sharing this new chapter with you all,” she said. “I hope this collection of songs shows a genuine reflection of the real me.”

Pictured (L-R): BMLG president/CEO and founder Scott Borchetta, Cassadee Pope.

Pictured (L-R): BMLG president/CEO and founder Scott Borchetta, Cassadee Pope.

“This is really the culmination of her experiences so far and really the mark of the beginning of what’s next for Cassadee,” Borchetta added. “She is specifically and clearly defined on what she wants to say and the music she wants to create.”

Pictured (L-R): Aurora’s MacKinnon Morrissey, Rebecca Abrahams, Cassadee Pope and Aurora’s Chris Keaton

Pictured (L-R): Aurora’s MacKinnon Morrissey, Rebecca Abrahams, Cassadee Pope and Aurora’s Chris Keaton

Music & Memory Receives Support From Music Row Community

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Pictured (L-R): Emilie Glover, Redlight Management; Cyndi Forman, UMPG Nashville; Julie Dowd, Blakeford @ Green Hills; Tammy Helm, UMPG Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Emilie Glover, Redlight Management; Cyndi Forman, UMPG Nashville; Julie Dowd, Blakeford @ Green Hills; Tammy Helm, UMPG Nashville

The organization Music Row for Music & Memory presented checks recently to various care facilities in the Nashville area that offer the Music & Memory program. The money will be used for laptops, iPods, and other accessories.

“It feels great to watch our fundraising efforts pay off right here at home in Nashville. We will continue to find ways to bring awareness to this wonderful program,” said Cyndi Forman, Vice President, Creative, at Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville.

“We are very appreciative of the generous donation that Music Row for Music & Memory recently presented Blakeford with. This gift will allow us to purchase more iPods for our residents and give us the ability to touch more lives with this powerful program,” said Holli Passmore, Director of WellLife and Administrator of Independent Living Services.

Music & Memory is a non-profit organization that brings personalized music into the lives of the elderly. By providing access and education, the goal is to make this form of personalized therapeutic music a standard of care throughout the health care industry.

For more, visit musicandmemory.org.