Brad Paisley Helps Madame Tussauds Unveil Little Jimmy Dickens Wax Figure

Brad Paisley poses with Little Jimmy Dickens wax figure backstage. Photo: By Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry.

Brad Paisley poses with Little Jimmy Dickens wax figure backstage. Photo: By Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry.

Wax attraction Madame Tussauds will open its newest location in Nashville this spring, but it is already honoring one of Nashville’s own.

Brad Paisley joined to pay tribute to Grand Ole Opry legend Little Jimmy Dickens during Saturday evening’s (Dec. 17) Opry at the Ryman show, via the unveiling of the late singer’s wax figure to the sold-out crowd. Paisley also performed Dickens’ hit “Out Behind The Barn.”

The life-like figure, which portrays Jimmy from the 1960’s, is adorned with one of Dickens’ signature rhinestone-studded suits designed by his original tailors, a “JD” ring, cowboy boots and cowboy hat. His figure’s friendly, relaxed expression was decided upon by his wife. His figure will be perched on a stool, playing a personalized guitar in a broadcast setting within the attraction.

“I’m floored at the likeness,” said Paisley. “Jimmy gave the Opry the personality it deserved. He was the kindest to new artists of anybody. He was never judgmental and he was always extremely supportive. He was a man who loved everyone and I’m honored to sing one of his songs (“Out Behind the Barn”).”

Brad Paisley poses with Little Jimmy Dickens wax figure backstage. Photo: By Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry.

Brad Paisley poses with Little Jimmy Dickens wax figure backstage. Photo: By Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry.

Little Jimmy Dickens is famous for his humorous novelty country songs and his small 4-foot-11-inch stature. He is credited for introducing rhinestone-studded outfits to live country music performances. Dickens is member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry more than 60 years ago. Dickens was the oldest living member of the Opry before his death in early 2015.

Additional figures hitting the stage at Madame Tussauds Nashville include Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Minnie Pearl and Johnny Cash. More artists will be added to the bill within the coming weeks.

Guests can save $5 off the regular price by purchasing early bird tickets to the attraction. The tickets can be redeemed anytime following the grand opening until the end of 2017. Purchasing early bird tickets will provide guests with the opportunity to be one of the first to experience the attraction. These limited-time-only tickets are $19 for adults and $14 for children ages 3-12. Prices will return to regular attraction price following the grand opening. Ages two and under are free.

Weekly Register: Garth Brooks, Sundance Head Reign On Country Charts

garth-ultimate-collection

Garth Brooks continues his reign on this week’s country albums chart, taking the top two spots. The 10-disc Ultimate Collection (Target Exclusive) ranks at No. 1 with sales of 37K. Christmas Together with Trisha Yearwood is at No. 2, with 25K.

Miranda Lambert‘s The Weight Of These Wings perches at No. 3, with 21K, while Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller lands at No. 4, with 20K. Brett Eldredge‘s holiday collection, Glow, rounds out the Top 5 with 16K.

Sundance Head, Photo: NBC.com

Sundance Head, Photo: NBC.com

This week’s country tracks chart tells a similar story to the country albums chart, with The Voice Season 11 winner Sundance Head taking the top two spots, with “Darlin’ Don’t Go” at No. 1 (60K), and “At Last” at No. 2 (44K). He also picks up the No. 4 spot with his rendition of “Treat Her Right” with Blake Shelton (26K). Fellow The Voice contestant Josh Gallagher‘s “Pick Any Small Town” lands at No. 3 with 31K, while Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” rounds out the Top 5 with 25K.

On the overall tracks chart, ZAYN and Taylor Swift have the No. 1 song and debut, with “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” from the 50 Shades Darker soundtrack, moving 188K.

Overall track sales have declined 24.6 percent year to date, while country track sales have declined 22.7 percent year to date.

Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.

The Recording Academy To Honor Charley Pride, Jimmie Rodgers

Charley Pride

Charley Pride

Charley Pride and Jimmie Rodgers are among this year’s recipients of The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Three-time Grammy winner Pride is considered the first African-American star in country music, thanks to hits including “All I Have To Offer You (Is Me),” “(I’m So) Afraid of Losing You Again,” “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” and “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin.'”

The late Jimmie Rodgers is widely regarded as the Father of Country Music. He was discovered in 1927, at the famed Bristol Sessions, by another of this year’s Recording Academy honorees: Ralph Peer.

Peer will receive a Trustees Award, which celebrates areas other than performance. Peer recorded the first blues record, and first country records, by Rodgers and the original Carter family.

Other Lifetime Achievement Awards will go to gospel singer Shirley Caesar, jazz innovator Ahmad Jamal, the High Priestess of Soul Nina Simone, Sly Stone of Sly & The Family Stone, and influential rock band the Velvet Underground.

Additional Trustees Awards will go to Philadelphia Soul songwriter/producer Thom Bell; and legendary executive Mo Ostin, who shepherded the careers of Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Prince, and Neil Young.

Alan Dower Blumlein will receive the Technical Grammy Award posthumously. With 128 patents, his most noteworthy invention was the stereo in 1931.

These honors comprise the The Recording Academy’s 2017 Special Merit Awards.

Jimmie Rodgers

Jimmie Rodgers

Willie Nelson & Family To Perform Nashville WAR Memorial Show

Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson & Family has been scheduled at Nashville’s intimate War Memorial Auditorium on Jan. 7 by Outback Concerts of Tennessee Inc.

The date marks the first time Nelson has played the War Memorial Auditorium since October 20, 1974. Tickets will be available starting Wed., Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. at wmarocks.com, 615-782-4030 or the Tennessee Performing Arts Box Office.

Kobalt Music Publishing To Administer Elvis’ Catalog

Elvis Presley. Photo: elvispresley.com

Elvis Presley. Photo: elvispresley.com

Kobalt Music Publishing has inked an administrative agreement with Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and Elvis Presley Enterprises, LLC. Effective January 1, 2017, Kobalt will administer and provide publishing services for a vast majority of the Elvis Presley catalog of more than 1,000 songs, including classics such as “All Shook Up,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “A Little Less Conversation,” “Return to Sender,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and many others.

Music from the catalog was most recently featured in films Bad Santa 2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows and Joy. “Love Me Tender” is the soundtrack for Ralph Lauren’s current fragrance campaign.

“We are thrilled to partner with Kobalt to ensure that Elvis’ legacy as the King of Rock and Roll lives on forever,” said Jamie Salter, Chairman and CEO of ABG.

Willard Ahdritz, Founder and CEO of Kobalt, said of the agreement, “This is an absolutely momentous deal. We are happy to be working with Authentic Brands Group and are humbled by the great job they do. Elvis’ music will continue to influence future generations and we are honored to be a part of that.”

Laurent Hubert, President, Platform and Investments, at Kobalt stated, “We are thrilled to represent such an iconic artist and a catalog of such timeless songs. There is not a more groundbreaking artist that fits so well with Kobalt’s innovative approach to the music business.”

Spin Doctors Music Group Adds Two

Jessilyn

Jessilynn Kidd

The Spin Doctors Music Group has hired Jessilynn Kidd as Director Of National Promotion, beginning Monday, Jan. 9. She is a graduate of MTSU’s Recording Industry Music Management program and has been working in radio syndication for the past 18 months. She can be reached at [email protected].

Angie Marpoe

Angela Marpoe

Also joining as Promotions Coordinator and Management assistant is Angela Marpoe, a 2016 Graduate of Millersville University in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Marpoe has previously worked in radio, as well as public relations and booking. She will begin her new role on Monday, Jan. 9. Marpoe can be reached at [email protected].

SDMG Executive VP and COO Kristin Johnson says, “We are excited to have Jessilynn and Angie join us soon. 2017 will be a big year for our company and we are excited about what the future holds and the great skills they bring to us.

Library Of Congress Seeks Public Input On Register Of Copyright Role

library-of-congressThe public will have the opportunity to provide input to the Library of Congress on expertise needed by the Register of Copyrights, according to Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden.

Input will be reviewed and will inform development of knowledge, skills and abilities requirements for the position.

Beginning today, Dec. 16, an online survey is open to the public. The survey will be posted through Jan. 31, 2017.

In October, Maria Pallante exited her role as Register of Copyrights; officially, she was later appointed as a senior adviser for the digital strategy for the Library of Congress.

Last week, the first in a series of expected reforms came as the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee proposed autonomy of the Copyright Office from the Library of Congress. The proposal retains the Copyright Office as part of the Legislative Branch and led by a Registrar, nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

 

 

 

 

DisClaimer: John Oates & The Time Jumpers Are Swingin’ The Season

john-oates-time-jumpers

Last week, we explored the raft of new Nashville holiday albums, so this week we’re listening to some of the shorter gifts.

So thank you, again, to Chris Young, Amy Grant, Jennifer Nettles and Kacey Musgraves for the finest Christmas collections of 2016. Only two of today’s discs are full albums, the ones by Neil Diamond and Jenny & Tyler. The second one was a completely unexpected delight and wins this week’s DisCovery Award.

As for the singles, I am giving the Disc of the Day prize to John Oates & The Time Jumpers. They are swingin’ the season.

NEWSONG/The Christmas Shoes
Writer: Leonard Ahlstrom/Eddie Carswell; Producer: Leondard Ahlstrom; Publisher: WB/Jerry’s Haven/Sony-ATV, BMI; HHM (CDX) (newsongonline.com)
—This CCM group will melt your heart with this outing. A little boy is trying to buy his dying mom a pair of shoes so she can meet Jesus in them when she passes away on Christmas eve. Written in teardrops and sung with soul.

ROBBIE ROBINSON/Carolina Christmas
Writer: Robbie Robertson; Producer: Mark Prentice, Doug Wayne Holmquist & Robbie Robinson; Publisher: Greater Influence, BMI; GIM (CDX)
—The song is okay, but this guy sounds as vocally weak as a newborn reindeer.

OLIVIA LANE/Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: Ilya Toshinsky; Publisher: St. Nicholas, no performance rights listed; Big Spark (CDX) (olivialane.com)
—This doesn’t rock with as much verve and personality as Brenda Lee’s original, but Lane is a strong vocalist with plenty of confidence, and Toshinsky’s production is flawless. Recommended.

NEIL DIAMOND/Christmas Prayers
Writer: Neil Diamond; Producer: Don Was & Jacknife Lee; Publisher: Diamondsongs/Universal Tunes, SESAC; Capitol (track)
—Diamond’s yuletide offering is titled Acoustic Christmas. Among the musicians are such longtime Nashville favorites as Richard Bennett and Matt Rollings. Seven of the tunes are public-domain standards given new arrangements by the star. Four are lesser-known holiday tunes written by others (including Leadbelly and The Weavers). And then there are his own two newly-penned numbers, “#1 Record for Christmas” and this ballad for loved ones who have passed away, but left cherished memories behind. Tender and sentimental.

The DisCovery Award goes to Jenny & Tyler.

The DisCovery Award goes to Jenny & Tyler.

JENNY & TYLER/Christmastime
Writer: Tyler Somers/Trent Monk/Jenny Somers; Producer: Ben Shive; Publisher: Residence/One Eyed Cat/Trent Monk Wholelotaracket, BMI/ASCAP; Residence (track) (jennyandtyler.com)
—This Nashville Americana duo’s CD is titled Christmas Stories. It leads off with this gently swaying ditty that’s infused with nostalgic holiday images. His slightly raspy voice has fireside warmth, and her wafting soprano is as soft as a snowflake. This collection is definitely the discovery of the season. Whether taking on standards like “Winter Wonderland” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” or offering originals like this and the piano instrumental “Gloria Immanuel” they are a sonic delight. And you have probably never heard more inventive arrangements of “O Holy Night” and “Handel’s Messiah” in your life.

JOHN OATES & THE TIME JUMPERS/Santa Be Good to Me
Writer: John Oates/Josh Charles/Steven Davis/Alissa Moreno; Producer: John Oates & David Kalmusky; Publisher: Oates Shul/Painted Desert/Nolanyc/Streams of Gold/First Second, BMI/ASCAP; Elektra
—This gets major bonus points for coming to us via a green-vinyl 45 r.p.m. single. With The Time Jumpers on board, you know it has to have the most delightful swing groove. The jazziest yule tune of the year.

RAY STEVENS/Mary and Joseph and the Baby and Me
Writer: Jeff Bates/John Ritter; Producer: Ray Stevens; Publisher: Melrose Nashville/Landa/Lutz, BMI; CabaRay (CDX) (raystevens.com)
—With a light Bo Diddley beat, groovy retro backup singers and synth strings backing him, Ray offers a very cute new Christmas tune, sung from the point of view of the donkey. Stay tuned for the mid-song braying and bop right along. Super enjoyable.

THE RICK CAVENDER BAND/Christmas Time Again
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RCB
—Melodic and eminently listenable, with a confident, pop lead vocal, solid acoustic guitar work and a piano solo.

CYNDI LAUPER & ALISON KRAUSS/Hard Candy Christmas
Writer: Carol Hall; Producer: Tony Brown & Cyndi Lauper; Publisher: Daniel/Otay/Universal, ASCAP; Sire (track)
—I love the sad holiday songs, and this one’s one of the saddest. It has that smiling- through-tears quality that is so heart tugging. Krauss takes the second verse with a breathy whisper and shadows Lauper in perfect soprano harmony elsewhere. A lovely job on a lovely tune.

ROBBY JOHNSON/Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: none listed; Contrast Music (track) (robby-johnson.com)
—This is a lively, rocked-up version of this standard. Johnson has a solidly country delivery and the chorus folks shouting along sound like they’re really excited.

Nashville Tourism Ends Record-Setting Streak

Photo provided by Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp

Photo provided by Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp

Nashville experienced 70 straight months of tourism growth (based on room night bookings), the longest in U.S. history, reports The Tennessean. According to data the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. shared with the newspaper, the streak ended in October. There were 7.2 million room nights sold in fiscal year 2015-16, and $147.5 million in hotel tax collections in 2015.

Despite the leveling off, the CVC says the city remains one of the nation’s Top 10 most desirable destinations for business, convention and leisure tourists.

About 12,000 new hotel rooms will open in Nashville in the coming years, adding to the 27,000 already here. With the increased competition, room rates are expected to fall. In the article, CVC President and CEO Butch Spyridon cautioned that the city should not over-build, noting that Nashville doesn’t have a theme park, gaming option, or as many business travelers as bigger cities.

In news from the Nashville Business Journal, Bridgestone Arena reports total revenue of $12.6 million and total operating expenses of $18.2 million for 2016. The operating loss is subsidized by Metro government. And Nashville is in the running for a Major League Soccer franchise. Nine cities are competing for four franchises.

BMG Promotes Sara Knabe To VP Creative

Sara Knabe

Sara Knabe

Sara Knabe has been promoted to VP of Creative, BMG Nashville.

Since joining the company in 2011, she has been on a steady ascent in the Nashville music community, working with an impressive list of songwriters and artists including Gordie Sampson, Tony Lane, Wynn Varble, Jay DeMarcus, Lucie Silvas, Ruston Kelly, James LeBlanc and many others.

Knabe and the team in Nashville have secured an abundance of placements for BMG writers, including Florida Georgia Line’s “H.O.L.Y.,” and cuts by Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum and Rascal Flatts.

“BMG has been on an incredible run with Sara contributing to a great deal of the company’s success,” said Kos Weaver, head of BMG Nashville. “She is recognized as one of the best song people in Nashville and has proved it by securing huge hits for us.”

“The last five years with BMG have been an incredible learning experience,” said Knabe. “Everyone should have the opportunity to have a boss like Kos Weaver. His leadership allows all of us to be creative, explore our interests and get our hands dirty in so many facets of the industry. I feel 100 percent supported and that’s a great feeling. I’m excited about this new position and the opportunity to continue to work with our songwriters and a creative team that feels like family.”