Jake Owen Introduces ‘American Love’ To Music Industry Guests

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RCA Nashville's Jake Owen performs selected songs fromhis upcoming fifth studio album, American Love, at the Rock Harbor Marina on the Cumberland River (July 18, 2016).

RCA Nashville’s Jake Owen performs selected songs from his upcoming fifth studio album, American Love, at the Rock Harbor Marina on the Cumberland River (July 18, 2016).

Industry members joined RCA Nashville’s Jake Owen at the Rock Harbor Marina on the Cumberland River on Monday evening (July 18) to celebrate the release of his upcoming fifth studio album, American Love. The album will hit stores on July 29.

Sony Music Chairman/CEO Randy Goodman greeted guests before sharing words about the new release. “Love is an appropriate term to use for Jake with the title of his new album, American Love,” sated Goodman. “Over the past year, he’s dealt with some of the seductive highs and destructive lows that life can throw your way and what’s exciting for me is that he’s come out of that with this incredibly abiding sense of enthusiasm, optimism and love that continues to permeate everything he does.”

Calling Owen “Our Minister of Love,” Goodman brought up Owen who was overjoyed to be sharing his new music with the industry guests.

“I really, really, really, really appreciate all of you guys being here,” revealed Owen. “You have no idea how much I appreciate it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart from riding this journey with me. I feel like I came out the other side of it so refreshed and ready to get out there.”

Before playing the full recorded album, Owen and his band, which now includes an energetic new horn section, performed three songs live from the new project (“Good Company,” “If He Ain’t Gonna Love You,” and “VW Van”) while the enthusiastic guests fought back the heat with cold beverages from the Blue Moon Waterfront Grille.

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MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson presents Jake Owen with a MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coin for “American Country Love Song.” Pictured (L-R): Keith Gale, Sr. VP, National Promotion, RCA; Jake Owen; Sherod Robertson; Brandon Gill, VP, Morris Higham Management

Before the event started, MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson caught up with Jake Owen and presented him with a MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coin for “American Country Love Song,” the first single from the upcoming album that went No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart last week. The song was written by Jaren Johnston and Luke Laird and produced by Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman who were all in attendance at the party.

BMI Aims For Rising Songwriters With Young Guns Showcase Series

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BMI Young Guns

BMI will continue a new monthly showcase, known as Young Guns, at The Sutler Saloon, sponsored by Pickers Vodka, with sound by Bose Professional.

Open to the public, the free showcase will highlight the top up-and-coming country singers and songwriters in town, chosen by BMI.

“We love The Sutler,” says David Preston, Director of Writer-Publisher Relations, Nashville. “It’s the perfect backdrop for top new country songwriters to show their skill.”

Starting at 8 p.m., three acts will play each showcase, held on the last Wednesday of every month. The next showcase, to be held July 27, will have Brandon Green, Painted West and Jet Black & The Cadillacs performing. June’s kick-off featured Tristen Smith, Ashla Taylor and Todd O’Neil.

“We’ve taken the time to build a dynamic live music program at The Sutler that is a hat tip to its rich history, as well as a commitment to Nashville’s current music scene,” says The Sutler’s General Manager Kevin Jones. “Bringing Young Guns to the stage is especially exciting because our guests will get to hear music from talented artists that are hand-selected by the experts at BMI.”

 

Country Music Hall of Fame Member Bonnie Brown Dies At 77

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Bonnie Brown

Bonnie Brown

Funeral services were held for Country Music Hall of Fame member Bonnie Brown on Saturday, July 23 at 10 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Dardanelle.

[Previous story below]

Bonnie Brown, who entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015 as a member of The Browns, died Saturday (July 16) at age 77.

With her siblings Jim Ed Brown and Maxine Brown, she created a dulcet-singing harmony trio that achieved success on both country and pop hit parades. The Browns’ 1959 smash hit “The Three Bells” was the first true “Nashville Sound” single to “crossover” and become a No. 1 pop success. Bonnie, Jim Ed and Maxine also had simultaneous pop and country hits with the tender folk-flavored, ballad singles “Scarlet Ribbons” and “The Old Lamplighter.” Bonnie Brown sang with her siblings throughout most of the 1950s and 1960s, placing 20 titles on the country charts.

She was the youngest member of the trio, being four years younger than her brother and seven years younger than her sister. All of the singing Browns were raised in Arkansas. Jim Ed and Maxine came to local prominence as a duo, then achieve national success with the 1954 hit “Looking Back to See.” Bonnie Brown joined them the following year, just after she graduated from high school.

From the start, the trio’s sibling harmony blend was exquisite, with Jim Ed’s fluid baritone, Maxine’s resonant alto and Bonnie’s lilting soprano creating memorable audio overtones. They scored immediately on the country charts with “Here Today and Gone Tomorrow” (1955), “I Take the Chance” (1956) and “I Heard the Bluebirds Sing” (1957).

The Browns’ country successes continued with “Would You Care” (1958) and “Beyond the Shadow” (1959). All three Brown siblings were pitch-perfect harmony singers, but the pattern became Jim Ed singing lead with Bonnie and Maxine as his blending vocalists. They became stars at both The Louisiana Hayride and The Ozark Jubilee. In the early 1950s, The Browns toured with the then-emerging star Elvis Presley, who took a shine to both Bonnie and Maxine.

Bonnie Brown provided the group with much of its visual appeal. Her striking beauty remained with her throughout her subsequent life, onstage and off. The trio’s elegant harmony singing was nowhere better illustrated than on 1959’s “The Three Bells.” This charming, chiming story song was adapted by The Browns from a French pop hit. Produced by Chet Atkins, it was No. 1 on the country charts for 10 weeks and No. 1 on the pop charts for four weeks. Then as now, this was a stunning feat for a Nashville country record.

Bonnie and her siblings replicated that hit’s sound on the pop and country successes “Scarlet Ribbons” (1959) and “The Old Lamplighter” (1960). Then The Browns solidified their country stardom with “Send Me the Pillow You Dream On” (1961), “Then I’ll Stop Loving You” (1964), “Everybody’s Darlin’ Plus Mine” (1964), “I’d Be Just Fool Enough” (1966), “Coming Back to You” (1966) and other hits.

Bonnie Brown

Bonnie Brown

The Browns joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in 1963.

Bonnie Brown withdrew from the group in 1967 to settle back home in Arkansas with her husband and raise their daughters. Jim Ed Brown went on to have a hugely successful solo career. Maxine Brown also made solo records. The trio reunited several times over the years, usually at the Opry. Bonnie and Maxine also appeared on Jim Ed’s final album, 2015’s In Style Again. Later that year, Jim Ed Brown was diagnosed with lung cancer. He died in June 2015, but was presented with his Hall of Fame honor at his bedside before he passed away. Bonnie and Maxine attended the group’s official Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Nashville that fall.

Bonnie Brown also had lung cancer. She died of the disease on Saturday afternoon, July 16, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock.

Dr. Gene “Brownie” Ring, her husband of more than 56 years, died in January. Bonnie Jean Brown is survived by their daughters Kelly and Robin, by several grandchildren and by her sister Maxine.

Guitarist Richard Bennett Named To CMHoF’s Nashville Cats Series

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Richard Bennett

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will salute guitarist Richard Bennett as part of the museum’s special program series Nashville Cats. The program will take place July 30 at 1:30 p.m. in the museum’s Ford Theater.

Hosted by Bill Lloyd, the in-depth interview will be illustrated with vintage photos, film footage and recordings, and Bennett will perform briefly.

Discovered in Phoenix and mentored by Wrecking Crew guitar great Al Casey, Bennett played his first L.A. recording sessions during summer vacation while still in high school. He started his stellar studio career by contributing to Neil Diamond’s 1971 album, Stones, and he continued recording and touring as a member of Diamond’s band until 1987. Since 1994, Bennett has worked with British guitar ace Mark Knopfler in the studio and on the road.

Since moving to Nashville, Bennett has done distinguished work as a guitarist and/or a producer for Rosanne Cash, Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Waylon Jennings, Ray Price, Marty Stuart, Phil Lee, and many more.

After the program, Bennett will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters. The event will be streamed live on the museum’s website. It is included with museum admission and free to museum members.

The Nashville Cats series honors musicians who have played an integral role in Nashville and country music. Recent honorees include Pete Wade, Duane Eddy, Paul Franklin, Mac Gayden, Steve Gibson, Michael Rhodes, Billy Sanford, Bill Walker, and Bergen White.

CAA Adds Music Agent Joseph Martin To Nashville Staff

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Joseph Martin

Joseph Martin

Music agent Joseph Martin has joined the Nashville office of Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and will focus on the country roster.

Prior to landing at CAA, Martin worked at William Morris Endeavor in Los Angeles, where he booked contemporary music artists.

Led by John Huie, Rod Essig, Marc Dennis, Darin Murphy, and Scott Clayton, CAA Music’s Nashville team books such successful emerging and established country, rock, EDM, faith-based, and contemporary artists.

CAA clients booked out of the Nashville office include Zac Brown Band, Twenty One Pilots, Keith Urban, Dixie Chicks, John Mayer, Tim McGraw, Pretty Lights, Shania Twain, Dead & Co., Maren Morris, Lady Antebellum, Kings of Leon, Kelly Clarkson, Brantley Gilbert, Kelsea Ballerini and Amy Grant.

Reba Partners With Cracker Barrel For New Retail Line

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Reba McEntire poses with her retail line, Rockin' R By Reba. Photo: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.

Reba McEntire poses with her retail line, Rockin’ R By Reba. Photo: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.

Reba and Cracker Barrel have partnered for the first time to release a retail line.

Rockin’ R By Reba features specialty items designed by the singer and inspired by her life and interests, including Western-themed jewelry, Aztec-inspired ponchos and shawls, dinnerware, a rocking chair, and leather bound home goods. The line will roll out on Aug. 4.

The collection also showcases toys and playsets because McEntire wanted items her grandchildren could enjoy, such as a karaoke microphone and children’s toy guitar.

“It was a pleasure working with the Cracker Barrel team to design the products, and I appreciate all of the attention to detail that went into creating these beautiful items,” said McEntire. “The line is very personal to me – from the lamp with a tooled leather shade inspired by my Daddy’s saddle to the carved Bible box that reminds me of my grandmother and her faith. I hope that you see the personal touches in every single item.”

The collection has over 60 items and retails from $3.99 to $199.99.

“This collection is distinctly different than anything Reba has done before, which made bringing the assortment to life a real joy for our team,” said Cracker Barrel Old Country Store’s Senior Vice President of Retail Laura Daily. “In working together, she would tell us about activities her family enjoys or items they like around their home, which inspired the collection.”

Additionally, an exclusive, 10-track Reba McEntire album titled My Kind of Christmas will be released on CD in Cracker Barrel stores and the restaurant’s website on Sept. 2.

‘The Bobby Bones Show’ Raises $20,000 For Wounded Marine

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Bobby Bones 570x570

Listeners of iHeart Media’s The Bobby Bones Show helped raised $20,000 for a wounded Marine after the radio personality featured her on his show.

Last week, former U.S. Marine Sgt. Kirstie Ennis appeared on the show to explain how she lost her leg serving as a helicopter door gunner in the military. After hearing her story, Bobby Bones and his on-air crew revealed they wanted to do something special to honor her service.

As a result, proceeds from the sale of “America Strong” T-shirts on Bones’ website were donated to help her purchase an all-terrain tracked wheelchair. In less than a week, enough shirts were sold to raise $20,000, surpassing the cost of the wheelchair.

 

AmericanaFest Registration Rates Will Rise On August 1

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Americana logo

The current cost of registration for the Americana Festival & Conference has been extended through July 31, with the rate rising on Aug. 1. The event will take place Sept. 20-25 in Nashville.

July 31 will be the last day to register for the Americana Music Festival & Conference at the $275 member/$375 non-member rates. Prices will rise to $325 member/$425 non-member on Aug. 1. The conference walkup rate is $475.

A conference registration badge allows access to more than 250 events including educational panels, parties, luncheons, and showcase performances.

T Bone Burnett will be delivering the keynote speech. More than 200 artists will be featured including John Prine, Indigo Girls, Billy Bragg & Joe Henry, Shawn Colvin & Steve Earle, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, Jack Ingram, The O’Connor Band with Mark O’Connor, Amanda Shires, Bart Crow, Dori Freeman, John Fullbright, Howe Gelb, Green River Ordinance, Kaia Kater, Motel Mirrors, My Bubba, Sam Outlaw, Sean Watkins, and Cordovas. Some events will require an RSVP.

Registrants will be able to purchase up to two tickets for the Americana Honors and Awards show at the Ryman Auditorium when conference registration is purchased.

Hits From The Hall Offers Tom Douglas, Richard Leigh, Shane Minor

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Pictued (L-R): Tom Douglas, Richard Leigh, Shane Minor

Pictued (L-R): Tom Douglas, Richard Leigh, Shane Minor

Nashville songwriters Tom Douglas, Richard Leigh and Shane Minor will perform at City Winery on Wed., July 27, at 7 p.m. as part of the Hits From the Hall series.

Hits From The Hall is a fundraiser benefitting the non-profit Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Douglas was inducted into the Hall in 2014. Leigh entered in 1994.

Tickets are $20 for downstairs seating; $30 for limited upstairs VIP seating.

Douglas’ hits include Collin Raye’s “Little Rock,” Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me” and Tim McGraw’s “Meanwhile, Back at Mama’s.” Leigh’s catalog includes Billy Dean’s “Somewhere in My Broken Heart,” Crystal Gayle’s “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” and Reba McEntire’s “The Greatest Man I Never Knew.” Minor’s hits include Kenny Chesney’s “Live a Little,” Diamond Rio’s “Beautiful Mess,” and Cole Swindell’s “Chillin’ It.”

Exclusive: Adam Craig Gets His Big Break After 12 Years In Nashville

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Adam Craig

Adam Craig

Adam Craig is now getting ready for fans to know his voice as well as his songwriting, as the newest signing for BBR Label Group’s Stoney Creek Records imprint. The songwriter has penned songs including Love and Theft’s “Whiskey On My Breath” and Parmalee’s “Close Your Eyes,” along with cuts by Jason Aldean and Dustin Lynch.

“When I found out I was getting the Parmalee single, I thought, ‘I’ve got to go into Broken Bow and just thank them for allowing me to stay in town this long and keep my publishing deal,’” Craig said during a visit to MusicRow on Monday (July 18). “I went and sat down with Benny [Brown, CEO of BBR Music Group] and he was like, ‘OK, let’s hear some music.’ So I didn’t really know if I was pitching songs for other artists still or pitching myself. Then a week later he called asking if I wanted a record deal.”

That deal has been more than 12 years in the making for the Washington native. After playing in a band during his high school and college years, he made the move to Nashville on the advice of a Nashville producer who worked with Jake Owen.

Pictured (L-R): Adam Craig, MusicRow Owner Sherod Robertson

Pictured (L-R): Adam Craig, MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson

“He was like, ‘If you are for real, you’ve got to move to Nashville. You’ve got to be present to win.’ So I quit school and moved across the United States.”

Once in Music City, he continued writing and honing his craft, and fell in with a circle of fellow talented songwriters, including Tyler Farr, Cole Swindell and Jon Pardi. He would go on to play guitar for Swindell when Swindell’s career took off.

“We had this thing back in the day called Saturday Song Day at his place,” Craig recalls of those days when the writers were all trying to make names for themselves. “We were fans of each other’s music, so we watched college football, drank lots of beer, and played each other’s demos all day. There were other people there. We joke about it now, but everyone is so busy now, it’s like, ‘How do we do that again?’ We didn’t realize how cool it was back then, but it was this cool moment.”

Adam Craig with MusicRow staff.

Adam Craig with MusicRow staff. Pictured (L-R): Troy Stephenson, Eric T. Parker, Craig Shelburne, Adam Craig, Sherod Robertson, Jessica Nicholson, and Molly Hannula.

When he’s not in the studio working alongside producer Derek George, Craig has been visiting radio stations across the nation, amassing several more of those cool moments as he brings his own music to radio and to fans.

During his visit to MusicRow, Adam Craig previewed three tracks, including his debut single, “Reckon, which was written by Jeremy Stover, Randy Montana and Derek George. He also sang “Just a Phase” and “Why Can’t She,” a tune he co-wrote in 2011 with Matt Rogers and Jon Nite.

“When I’ve played this around town, people would say, ‘Oh, that’s the cheating song.’ It’s not really a cheating song. It’s more of a ‘trying to get the girl back’ song. That’s what I love about our format. You can interpret somebody’s song however you want. Somebody comes up and has their story for that song. I love that part of it.”

“Reckon” goes for adds on Aug. 8.