Warner/Chappell’s Jon Platt Elected To ASCAP Board Of Directors

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Jon Platt

ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams has announced that Warner/Chappell Music Chairman & CEO Jon Platt has been elected to the ASCAP Board of Directors.

“Jon is a tremendous talent in the publishing industry, and we are thrilled to have him join the ASCAP Board,” said Williams. “Our publisher and songwriter members face complex challenges in the digital era that call for a progressive outlook, and Jon is one of the best leaders of his generation. As the only performance rights organization that is led by a board composed of publishers and songwriters, ASCAP values his understanding of the creative process and his relationships with the creative community.”

Platt took the helm of Warner/ Chappell, the global music publishing company of Warner Music Group, last November. Since joining Warner/Chappell in 2012, he has been instrumental in attracting a wide range of new and established talent, including Jay Z, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Mike Will Made It, MNEK, and others, while continuing to build relationships with songwriters such as Katy Perry, Kendrick Lamar, Michael Bublé, and George Michael.

Previously, Platt spent 17 years at EMI Music Publishing, where artists he signed at the outset of their careers include Jay Z, Kanye West, Drake, Usher, Ludacris, and Snoop Dogg.

In April, Warner/Chappell Music was named 2016 Music Publisher of the Year at the ASCAP Pop Music Awards. WCM was also named Publisher of the Year at the 2015 ASCAP Country Music Awards (for the third year in a row) and at the 2015 ASCAP Latin Music Awards.

Weekly Register: Maren Morris Tops Country Albums Chart

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This week’s country albums chart is all about Hero worship.

Columbia Nashville newcomer Maren Morris‘ debut album Hero has topped the country albums rankings this week, with 37K albums sold. The project lands at No. 5 on the overall chart rankings with combined sales and streaming units of 45K.

Following Morris is a new project from Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville duo Dan+Shay. Obsessed debuts at No. 2 on the country albums chart with 26K albums sold and No. 8 on the overall chart with 33K combined units.

Dan + Shay ObsessedRounding out the Top 5 country albums this week are Blake Shelton‘s If I’m Honest (26K), Dierks Bentley‘s Black (20K), and Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller (18K).

Other notable debuts include Republic Nashville artist Cassadee Pope‘s Summer EP at No. 14 on the country album chart (3.8K albums), Craig Morgan‘s Whole Lot More to Me at No. 16  (3.5K), and the Randy Rogers/Wade Bowen collaboration Watch This at No. 21 (2.8K). Royal Bliss‘ The Truth lands at No. 28 (1.5K).

On the Top 200 albums chart, Drake‘s Views remains at the pinnacle, with 135K (32K album only). Overall album sales have decreased 13.3 percent YTD, while overall digital album sales have declined 18 percent. Country album sales have scaled back by 5.2 percent, while country digital album sales have diminished by 12.3 percent YTD.

Florida Georgia Line

Florida Georgia Line

Florida Georgia Line‘s “H.O.L.Y.” tops this week’s country tracks sales with 74.5K, surpassing the 500K mark. That’s followed by Tim McGraw‘s “Humble and Kind” with 34K, Dan+Shay‘s “From The Ground Up” with 31.5K, Morris’ “My Church” with 29K, and Luke Bryan‘s “Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Everyday” with 26.5K.

The top country debut this week is Charles Kelley‘s “The Only One Who Gets Me,” which debuts at No. 7 country and No. 18 overall, with 12.5 K sold.

Justin Timberlake‘s “Can’t Stop The Feeling” remains at No. 1 on the overall digital track sales chart, with 138K this week, enough to top the 1 million mark in only five weeks of release.

Overall track sales have decreased 24 percent YTD, while country track sales have declined 21.1 percent YTD.

Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.

In Pictures: Sony Music Nashville Visits Old Dominion, Kane Brown, Jake Owen At CMA Music Festival

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Prior to Old Dominion‘s set at the Ascend Amphitheater on Wednesday (June 8), Storme Warren from SiriusXM’s The Highway, along with members from the band’s management company (Morris Higham Management) and staff from Sony Music Nashville surprised the five band members with platinum plaques to commemorate their two-week No. 1, and now platinum-selling hit “Break Up With Him.”

Pictured (L-R): Mike Betterton (MHM), Keith Gale (SMN), Brad Tursi (Old Dominion member), Storme Warren (SiriusXM The Highway), Jim Catino (SMN), Nate Ritches (MHM), Ken Robold (SMN), Will Hitchcock (MHM), Geoff Sprung (Old Dominion member), Randy Goodman (SMN), Matthew Ramsey (Old Dominion member), Trevor Rosen (Old Dominion member), Paul Barnabee (SMN), Whit Sellers (Old Dominion member). Photo: Courtesy of the CMA

Pictured (L-R): Mike Betterton (MHM), Keith Gale (SMN), Brad Tursi (Old Dominion member), Storme Warren (SiriusXM The Highway), Jim Catino (SMN), Nate Ritches (MHM), Ken Robold (SMN), Will Hitchcock (MHM), Geoff Sprung (Old Dominion member), Randy Goodman (SMN), Matthew Ramsey (Old Dominion member), Trevor Rosen (Old Dominion member), Paul Barnabee (SMN), Whit Sellers (Old Dominion member). Photo: Courtesy of the CMA

 

 

Kane Brown poses with Sony Music Nashville staff following his Friday afternoon (June 10) set at the Riverfront Stage during the CMA Music Festival.

Pictured (L-R): Taylor Lindsey, Jaime Marconette, Paul Barnabee, Bob Foglia [kneeling], Ken Robold, Brown, Randy Goodman, Steve Hodges, Jim Catino, Sarah Westbrook, Keith Gale. Photo: Courtesy of RCA Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Taylor Lindsey, Jaime Marconette, Paul Barnabee, Bob Foglia [kneeling], Ken Robold, Kane Brown, Randy Goodman, Steve Hodges, Jim Catino, Sarah Westbrook, Keith Gale. Photo: Courtesy of RCA Nashville

Jake Owen poses with Sony Music Nashville staff after his CMA Music Festival 2016 kickoff performance at the Riverfront Stage on Thursday morning (June 9).

Pictured (L-R): Fount Lynch, Jim Catino, Owen, Rachel Fontenot, Randy Goodman, Sarah Westbrook, Keith Gale, Paul Barnabee

Pictured (L-R): Fount Lynch, Jim Catino, Owen, Rachel Fontenot, Randy Goodman, Sarah Westbrook, Keith Gale, Paul Barnabee. Photo: RCA Nashville

Jake Owen poses with Sony Music Nashville executives before his performance at the HGTV Lodge during CMA Music Festival on Thursday afternoon (June 9).

Pictured (L-R): Steve Hodges, Jake Owen, Ken Robold. Photo: RCA Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Steve Hodges, Jake Owen, Ken Robold. Photo: RCA Nashville

In Pictures: Blake Shelton, Craig Morgan, Charley Pride, Charlie Worsham And Special Guests

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Blake Shelton Draws Crowd Walking Down Broadway

Pictured (L-R): Brandon Blackstock (Starstruck Management), John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN), Blake Shelton, Narvel Blackstock (Starstruck Management), Scott Hendricks (EVP A&R, WMN), Peter Strickland (EVP/GM, WMN).

Pictured (L-R): Brandon Blackstock (Starstruck Management), John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN), Blake Shelton, Narvel Blackstock (Starstruck Management), Scott Hendricks (EVP A&R, WMN), Peter Strickland (EVP/GM, WMN).

At the second annual Beers on Blake on Friday (June 10), Blake Shelton made a surprise appearance and performed more than a dozen songs acoustically. The star made his entrance after walking down Broadway.

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Craig Morgan Hosts Special Guests At Album Release Party

Pictured (L-R): Eric Paslay, Craig Morgan.

Pictured (L-R): Eric Paslay, Craig Morgan. Photo: Brandon Pendergrass/Sub 7

Craig Morgan’s fans and friends gathered at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon on Wednesday (June 8) to celebrate the release of his new album, titled Whole Lot More To Me.

Surprise guest Eric Paslay joined for a song he wrote on Morgan’s album, titled “Country Side of Heaven.” Additional guest performances were made by Hailey Whitters, Jillian Cardarelli, Adam Sanders, Kane Brown and Mac Powell. Brown performed one of Morgan’s biggest hits “Almost Home.” Third Day’s Powell came back on stage to join forces on “Hearts I Leave Behind,” a duet the two share on the Black River Entertainment album.

Morgan’s seventh studio album, co-produced with Byron Gallimore, was released June 3.

 

Charley Pride Honored by Grand Ole Opry Executives

Pictured (L-R): Pete Fisher, Charley Pride, Gina Keltner.

Pictured (L-R): Pete Fisher, Charley Pride, Gina Keltner.

Charley Pride was presented a plaque Thursday (June 9) commemorating 50 years in country music by Gina Keltner and Pete Fisher of the Grand Ole Opry.  The presentation was made during Pride’s annual fan club breakfast held at the Opry Backstage Grill.

 

Charlie Worsham Surprises Late Night Fans With Friends Vince Gill, Aubrie Sellers, Brothers Osborne

Pictured (L-R): Aubrie Sellers, Charlie Worsham. Photo: Brody Harper.

Pictured (L-R): Aubrie Sellers, Charlie Worsham. Photo: Brody Harper.

Charlie Worsham launched Midnite Jamboree Hosted by Charlie Worsham on Thursday evening (June 9) with surprise appearances by Vince Gill, Aubrie Sellers and Brothers Osborne.

Held at the legendary Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Broadway in downtown Nashville from 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., the jamboree continues Friday and Saturday evening. Additional special surprise performers will join Worsham in the legendary space where Elvis, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams Sr. and countless many others have performed.

John and TJ Osborne of the Brothers Osborne with Charlie Worsham. Photo: Brody Harper.

John and TJ Osborne of the Brothers Osborne with Charlie Worsham. Photo: Brody Harper.

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Pictured (L-R): Vince Gill, Charlie Worsham. Photo: Brody Harper.

Industry Ink: BMI Road To Roo, NMPA Honors SESAC’s Pat Collins, SOLID Nashville Music Market

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BMI’s Road To Roo Winners Roots Of A Rebellion Plays Bonnaroo

Pictured (L-R): ROAR’s Marco Martinez, sound technician EL Copeland, ROAR’s Dan Twiford, Troy Wiggins, Zach Fowler and Jeremyck Smith, BMI’s Nina Carter, ROAR’s Austin Smith and Adam Quellhorst, sound technician Shaun Washburn and ROAR’s Justin Smith pose for a photo before their set as reigning champs of the BMI Road to Roo competition. Photo: Erika Goldring.)

Pictured (L-R): ROAR’s Marco Martinez, sound technician EL Copeland, ROAR’s Dan Twiford, Troy Wiggins, Zach Fowler and Jeremyck Smith, BMI’s Nina Carter, ROAR’s Austin Smith and Adam Quellhorst, sound technician Shaun Washburn and ROAR’s Justin Smith pose for a photo before their set as reigning champs of the BMI Road to Roo competition. Photo: Erika Goldring.

Nashville’s Roots of a Rebellion, the BMI Road to Roo winners, rocked the New Music on Tap Lounge, Brewed by Miller Lite. The reggae band competed for six weeks in the spring, beating out more than 200 entrants in Tennessee for the top position and was rewarded with a slot Thursday (June 9), the first day of Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.

Pictured: Roots of a Rebellion get the crowd going during their set at Bonnaroo. The group won the BMI Road to Roo competition in the spring. Photo: Erika Goldring.

Pictured: Roots of a Rebellion get the crowd going during their set at Bonnaroo. The group won the BMI Road to Roo competition in the spring. Photo: Erika Goldring.

 

NMPA Honors SESAC’s Pat Collins

SESAC Vice-Chairman Pat Collins accepts NMPA Industry Legacy Award at NMPA’s June 8 meeting in NYC. Photo: NMPA/Gary Gershoff

SESAC Vice-Chairman Pat Collins accepts NMPA Industry Legacy Award at NMPA’s June 8 meeting in NYC. Photo: NMPA/Gary Gershoff

National Music Publishers’ Association President and CEO David Israelite honored Sting with NMPA’s Songwriter Icon Award during its annual meeting in New York City on Wednesday. SESAC Vice-Chairman Pat Collins was awarded the NMPA Industry Legacy Award and John Eastman was also honored with the NMPA Lifetime Service Award.

Legendary music manager and visionary Irving Azoff encouraged industry unity during his keynote Q&A saying, “We should work together to solve the root of the problem — fair compensation.”

Pictured (L-R): Martin Bandier, Sting

Pictured (L-R): Martin Bandier, Sting

 

SOLID To Hold Annual Nashville Music Market At Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena

unnamedSOLID (Society of Leaders in Development) is holding their annual Nashville Music Market at the Bridgestone Arena.

The NMM is a chance for fans & CMA Fest goers to get their hands on rare country music items. This fun pop-up market will take place on Saturday, June 11 from 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

Zac Brown Band Releases First Video Of ‘Remedy’ Trilogy

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Zac Brown Band is using three tracks from the album Jekyll+Hyde as the soundtrack for a three-part video series, Remedy, directed by Diego Pernia.

The mini-movie, which includes the tracks “I’ll Be Your Man (Song for a Daughter),” “Tomorrow Never Comes,” and “Remedy,” tells the story of a young woman who flees from her alcoholic mother and reconnects with her past.

Brown found video footage of Pernia’s work on YouTube.

“It really blew my mind. I’ve never been so engaged, looking at something,” said Brown. “You spend any time with Diego, you realize how spiritual he is, how connected to emotion and what he does with pulling out humanity and nature in his work.”

 

“It gives a story and a life to each one of these songs, to where they can live online, which could have a lot more impressions and views than songs that just happen on the radio,” says Brown in a behind-the-scenes clip (above). “We’ll have some more videos for other songs that are singles, and then we’ll have the trilogy. So, as the companion to the music that’s on the album, there’s visual pieces for it—and for people that do better seeing it. That’s why I feel like this is an attempt to wring out every drop of exposure that we can to it, so we can share the heart that’s in the songs with people and hopefully it means something to them.”

The band isn’t alone in their video-making tactic. Dierks Bentley released a four-part video series to promote his album Black.

‘Nashville’ Receives $11 Million In Incentives For CMT/Hulu Season

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Big Machine Label Group

News that Nashville has been picked up by CMT and Hulu brought waves of approval from key politicians and executives, particularly because the series will continue to be filmed in Nashville.

The total incentive that the CMT/Hulu Season 5 of Nashville will receive is $11 million. This sum includes $8.5 million from the State of Tennessee’s film program, $1 million direct grant from the City of Nashville subject to approval by the Metro Council, $1 million from the Nashville Convention & Visitor’s Corp and city’s Event and Marketing Fund, and $500,000 from producer Ryman Hospitality.

A number of Nashville leaders praised the announcement.

Mayor Megan Barry: “This is great news for Nashville! Not only will hundreds of film production workers be keeping their jobs, we will also be keeping the greatest advertising tool for Music City that we have ever seen. None of this would be possible if it weren’t for the strong outpouring of support from fans all across the globe for the show Nashville. I look forward to welcoming the cast back for Season 5, and hopefully many more to come.”

Randy Boyd, Tennessee Economic and Community Development Director: “Landing this fifth season of Nashville helps push the show into syndication and allows it to live on for decades. The show has been a terrific marketing tool for the state and our musical heritage. We are also excited to support CMT, a company with real Tennessee roots.”

Colin Reed, Chairman and CEO of Ryman Hospitality Properties: “The partnership forged with Hulu and CMT represents the best of both worlds for Nashville, and we are thrilled to have played a role in bringing it to fruition. Nashville has been a driving force for tourism to our city and state since its inception, and Season 5 will continue that momentum by allowing millions of people around the world to get a glimpse of what goes on in Nashville that makes it different from anywhere else on the planet they could visit. I’d like to thank our partners at the Nashville CVC, the City of Nashville and the State of Tennessee for their continued investment in the show and Tennessee’s growing tourism industry.”

Butch Spyridon, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.: “The combination of CMT and Hulu is a significant win. You have CMT’s experience with original content and Hulu’s format where viewers can binge watch the show whenever they want. The social media demand to bring the show back has been overwhelming, and we are thrilled to be able to get to 100 episodes, which has always been the goal to help give the show longevity in syndication. We are proud to be a partner in supporting the show’s return with incentives—being aired in nearly 100 countries is about the best return on investment your money can buy.”

The Season 5 commitment from CMT/Hulu and local partners ensures that Nashville will cross the 100-episode mark, giving it an increased value in syndication and ensuring a much longer lifespan for the show worldwide.

The show will also continue to air all five seasons internationally in over 82 countries. The show has largely been credited with giving the city of Nashville exposure both domestically and worldwide, and the city is on an unprecedented streak of 66 months of tourism growth.

The production employs over 500 full-time Tennessee residents each season and spends a combined $45 million on local cast, crew, goods and services.

 

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Thursday Night At CMA Fest

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Dierks Bentley, MIranda Lambert perform at CMA Music Festival 2016

Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert perform at CMA Music Festival 2016. Photo: CMA/Instagram

Chapter 533

The first night at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest is always special. Loads of industry people turn out. The venue is always packed to capacity. And the line-up is star-saturated (partly because most artists would rather donate a Thursday gig than a weekend day). Singers and fans alike are still fresh.

And, this year, the temperature was as balmy as can be.

As we drove over the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, we could see the Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge next to us, packed with folks strolling over the river to the stadium of star sounds. Everyone milling around the outside of the venue seemed to be smiling and excited.

Once inside, we ascended into the hospitality suite and found some seats with a good view of the stage. The Oak Ridge Boys sang an electrifying arrangement of “The Star Spangled Banner” to launch the show.

Charlie Daniels and Randy Travis. Photo: Charlie Daniels/Twitter

Charlie Daniels and Randy Travis. Photo: Charlie Daniels/Twitter

Then The Charlie Daniels Band came out rocking. Toward the end of his set, Charlie brought out a smiling man with a cane. “Our 2016 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, Mr. Randy Travis!” Charlie shouted. The crowd went berserk and gave Randy a standing ovation. Earlier in the day, he’d posed for some photos with fans at the George Jones Museum downtown.

“I’ve sat in this audience, way up there,” said Kelsea Ballerini, pointing to the upper decks. During “Dibs,” she left the stage to greet those standing in front.

During “Peter Pan,” thousands held their lit cell phones aloft. The resulting Milky Way of lights revealed how full the stadium was. Before singing “Love Me Like You Mean It,” Kelsea shared, “I just found out backstage that this is my first platinum single. So thank you for everything you’ve done.”

Kelsea Ballerini performs during CMA Music Festival 2016. Photo: Kelsea Ballerini/Instagram

Kelsea Ballerini performs during CMA Music Festival 2016. Photo: Kelsea Ballerini/Instagram

“Thank you for what you do,” echoed Dierks Bentley to the fans. “For us country singers, this [festival] is kinda like Thanksgiving ….This is my coolest gig of the whole year. I got my start on Lower Broadway.”

He went even further down into the crowd than Kelsea had, then sang from a riser amid the attendees. “I’m somewhere in the middle of a football field, surrounded by 70,000 country music fans!” he exalted. Dierks brought out pop star Elle King for “Different for Girls” and led crowd in singalongs with “Home” and “Drunk on a Plane.”

Elle King hangs backstage at CMA Music Festival with Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett. Photo: Elle King/Twitter

Elle King hangs backstage at CMA Music Festival with Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett. Photo: Elle King/Twitter

Up next was Miranda Lambert. Her set caught fire with an incendiary performance of “Mama’s Broken Heart.” But she touched hearts with her ballads, too. “It’s all about what we give you all, and you give us back all year long,” she said. This is her 10th anniversary as a CMA Fest performer. “Country music is my life, and that means you’re my life. And I appreciate it so much.”

Rascal Flatts and Jason Aldean brought the memorable night to a close. Fabulous fireworks celebrated the finale at 12:15 a.m.

We dined on fried chicken, tossed salad, green beans, mashed potatoes and assorted cookies. A throng of schmoozers worked the room, including Tom Baldrica, Mark Bright, David Macias, Lori Badgett, Horton Frank, Sherod Robertson, Steve Emley, Bill Denny, Joe Galante, David Ross, Dan Ekbaak, Victoria Shaw, Amy Smartt and Biff Watson.

The most notable attendee was Jo Walker Meador. Now 92, the Country Music Hall of Fame member was the head of the CMA from 1962 to 1991. She guided the launch of Fan Fair in 1972. “Look what she started,” said JoAnn Berry, gazing at the 70,000 congregants. Yes, indeed. Gaze in awe.

The Charlie Daniels Band performs at CMA Music Festival 2016. Photo: CMA/Instagram

The Charlie Daniels Band performs at CMA Music Festival 2016. Photo: CMA/Instagram

Exclusive: Songwriter Donovan Woods Establishes Himself Through “Leaving Nashville”

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Donovan Woods co-wrote “Leaving Nashville” after making monthly visits to Music City from Canada. He’s never actually lived in Nashville, yet the song — which he wrote with Abe Stoklasa — nails the emotion, ambition and heartbreak of trying to earn a living as a Nashville songwriter.

“It took me a long time for me to say that it was a good idea, that it wasn’t too ‘inside,” Woods said during a visit to MusicRow on Tuesday (June 7). “I feel like it’s started to open doors. Everybody I write with now, that’s the first thing—they want to chat about that song for a while. It’s certainly been invaluable.”

In May, Woods officially signed with Warner/Chappell Music Publishing in Nashville. While at MusicRow, he sang a new song called “Kings of Nothing” as well as “Leaving Nashville” and a tempo song he wrote with Tom Douglas called “What Kind of Love Is That?”

Dividing his time between Toronto and Nashville, Woods is a notable folk artist in Canada, building an audience through reflective songs such as “On the Nights You Stay Home.” He released a full-length album titled Hard Settle, Ain’t Troubled in Canada in February.

With a quiet yet affecting voice, Woods is gaining traction as a touring artist. Later this year, he is scheduled to open shows for Buffy Sainte-Marie as well as Sarah Jarosz. With his dry humor and self-awareness, he knows being a touring artist in the United States is easier said than done: “There are a lot of dudes who do what I do in America. There’s 300 million of you guys, so 10 times the amount of dudes who look like me.”

Pictured (L-R): Will Overton, A&R Manager, Warner/Chappell Nashville.; Ben Vaughn, EVP, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing; Donovan Woods; Sherod Robertson, Owner/Publisher, MusicRow; BJ Hill, TITLE, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Will Overton, Manager, A&R, Warner/Chappell Nashville; Ben Vaughn, Executive Vice President, Warner/Chappell Nashville; Donovan Woods; Sherod Robertson, Owner/Publisher, MusicRow; BJ Hill, Sr. Director, A&R, Warner/Chappell Nashville

Growing up, Woods was drawn to music but didn’t let himself consider a career as a performer.

“To be honest with you, when I was a kid, I thought I would be a songwriter. I knew there was no way I could be an artist. I was a chubby kid and thought, ‘I won’t be an artist, I’ll just be a songwriter,’” he recalled.

“I Googled if that was even a job. I think I Googled ‘Are there just songwriters?’ and the first company I found out about was Warner/Chappell. I was like, ‘Oh, there’s a company called Warner/Chappell that’ll pay you to just be a writer. I’ll just work for that company.’”

After ending a publishing deal in Los Angeles, Woods joined Warner/Chappell after developing professional relationships with executives BJ Hill and Blain Rhodes. He says he will continue to write for his own albums too, even as artists like Billy Currington (“Sweet Love”) and Tim McGraw (“Portland, Maine”) are recording his songs.

And at this stage of the game, Woods’ good-natured attitude is closer to the optimistic first verse of “Leavin’ Nashville” than the desperate last verse.

“Yeah, I love Nashville. I just love the system. It’s such a fun hustle to me,” he says. “I’m not jaded on it yet, maybe because I’m not mired in it all the time. I don’t ever feel jaded — but you wouldn’t know that from the song!”

Pictured, L-R: Troy Stephenson, Molly Hannula, Craig Shelburne, Donovan Woods, Sherod Robertson, Eric T. Parker, Jessica Nicholson

Pictured (L-R): Troy Stephenson, Molly Hannula, Craig Shelburne, Donovan Woods, Sherod Robertson, Eric T. Parker, Jessica Nicholson

Kris Kristofferson To Be Honored With Woody Guthrie Prize In Tulsa

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Kris Kristofferson. Photo: Marina Chavez

Kris Kristofferson. Photo: Marina Chavez

Kris Kristofferson will be presented with the Woody Guthrie Prize, an award that honors those who embody the spirit of the folk singer/songwriter Woody Guthrie by serving as a force for social change in America through art. Currently in its third year, previous recipients include Mavis Staples (2015) and Pete Seeger (2014).

The awards ceremony will be held at Tulsa’s Brady Arts District on Tuesday, Oct. 18; the ceremony has previously taken place in New York and Los Angeles.

“With over 50 years of social activism as a voice for disenfranchised, Kris was an obvious choice to receive the 2016 Woody Guthrie Prize,” said Woody Guthrie Center Executive Director Deana McCloud. “It is an honor to recognize his incredible career and tireless work to make positive improvements in our society.”

Screen Shot 2016-06-10 at 10.42.49 AMArtists including Rodney Crowell will join Kristofferson on stage to perform some of his most popular songs.

Proceeds from the event will support the Woody Guthrie Center, a 12,000-square-foot center that features state-of-the-art, interactive exhibits on Guthrie’s life, art and creative legacy. The center houses Guthrie’s comprehensive archives, including the original, handwritten version of Guthrie’s landmark anthem, “This Land is Your Land,” which is available for viewing at the center.

The Woody Guthrie Archives were brought to Tulsa by the George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF), which purchased them in 2011 from the Guthrie family. In 2013, the Woody Guthrie Center opened to preserve and showcase the Oklahoma native’s career and life story. The foundation continues its commitment to the Woody Guthrie Center through grant funding that makes the Woody Guthrie Prize possible.

“With poetic sensibilities unmatched in late 60s Nashville, Kristofferson introduced male vulnerability and ultimately the bedroom to country music,” said Crowell. “Thoughtful sensuality, longing, raw emotion and a sharp eye out on society’s disenfranchised underbelly are the linchpin of the Kristofferson legend. Like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash before him, he literally redefined country music, seducing and enlightening his audience with timeless insight. I’m a devotee.”

Tickets will be available beginning June 13th and can be purchased for $50 or $60. Assigned seating will be enforced, so purchasing tickets early is recommended. To purchase tickets, visit cainsballroom.com.