LifeNotes: “Teddy Bear” Songwriter Passes

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Singer-songwriter Billy Joe Burnette, best known as the co-writer of the million-selling Red Sovine hit “Teddy Bear,” has died at age 76.
He was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1940 and began his singing career as a teenager in Roanoke, Virginia, in the 1950s. In 1960, he began recording for Parkway Records in Philadelphia. Burnette’s early pop singles included “Marlene,” “Stomp, Shout and Twist,” “Billy the Kid” and “Blue Misery.”
Following a stint in Hollywood, Billy Joe Burnette was hired as a song plugger by Cedarwood Music in Nashville. He was also deputized and worked for the Nashville Sheriff’s Department.
He and Dale Royal co-wrote “Teddy Bear,” and Burnette successfully pitched it to Red Sovine. The star’s recitation of the sentimental trucker story became a No. 1 country smash in  1976. It crossed over into the top-40 on the pop charts and became a Gold Record.
Burnette and Royal also co-wrote the “answer song,” “Teddy Bear’s Last Ride.” This charted for Diana Williams in late 1976.
In the wake of Elvis Presley’s death in 1977, Billy Joe Burnette recorded and released the tribute LP Welcome Home, Elvis. Brunette’s only appearance on the country hit parade as a recording artist came with “Three Flags,” which briefly charted in 1990.
During his career, he recorded for such labels as Parkway, Warner Bros., Magic Lamp, Deville, Gold Standard and Badger. In recent years, he was a talent agent at his own Ross Agency.
Billy Joe Burnette died on Thursday, Dec. 29, at his home in Port Orange, Florida. Funeral arrangements were unknown at press time.

Industry Ink: NMPA, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, City Winery

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NMPA Celebrates 100 Years

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Pictured (front row, L-R): Natalie Madaj, Danielle Aguirre, David Israelite, Amelia Wang, Katie McClenny. (middle row, L-R): Stephanie Li, Brenda Artis (back row, L-R): Danielle Ely, Erich Carey, Kartraice Hooper, Karen Brown, Chris Cylke, Charlotte Sellmyer

2017 marks the 100th birthday of the National Music Publisher’s Association (NMPA). Over the holidays, the NMPA staff launched their centennial year with a giant cake to celebrate this major milestone.

The NMPA is the voice of both small and large music publishers, and is the leading advocate for publishers and their songwriter partners in the nation’s capital and in every area where publishers do business.

 

Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers Celebrate 40 Years As Members of the Grand Ole Opry

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Pictured (L-R): Santa, Steve Gatlin, Larry Gatlin, Rudy Gatlin, Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher

On Christmas Eve, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers celebrated 40 years as members of the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry presented Larry, Steve and Rudy with commemorative Hatch Show Prints as well as personalized Christmas sweaters with each brothers’ name and embroidery reading, “Opry Member since 1976.”

For more than 60 years, the close family harmonies of Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers have given the trio a signature sound that led to country classics like “All The Gold In California” and “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer To You).”  The brothers won a Grammy for their 1976 hit, “Broken Lady,” and reached No. 1 with “I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love” soon after.  Along with five career nominations for the ACM Vocal Group, the Gatlin Brothers picked up three 1979 trophies – Single of the Year (“All The Gold In California”), Album of the Year (Straight Ahead) and Male Vocalist of the Year for Larry Gatlin. Larry has written songs that were later recorded by Elvis Presley, Glen Campbell, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Charlie Rich, Dottie West and more. The brothers’ latest album, The Gospel According to Gatlin, is available now from Curb Records.

 

Deana Carter Set For Nashville Show in February

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Deana Carter

Deana Carter will bring her blend of country, folk and retro-rock to Nashville’s City Winery on Monday, Feb. 27. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at citywinery.com.

Carter’s hit “Strawberry Wine” earned the CMA Single of the Year honor in 1997. More recently, Carter co-wrote Kenny Chesney’s 2010 hit “You & Tequila,” with Matraca Berg. Carter has been busy writing for her next project, shooting several movies and touring the country in support of her latest Little Nugget Records release Southern Way of Life.

Music Industry Companies Rank Among Nashville’s Top PR Firms

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expertise

Several music-related Nashville public relations firms have been selected among the 19 Best Nashville PR Firms for 2016 by Expertise.com.

absolute-publicityAbsolute Publicity, Inc., founded in 2009 by Don Murry Grubbs, provides many services including public relations, artist development, album promotion, press kit development, interview coordinating, consulting, artist image development, and media campaign planning. The company serves clients including Aaron Tippin, James Robert Webb, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Mel Tillis, Pam Tillis, Ray Stevens, and Ricky Skaggs.

kaleidoscope-media

Kaleidoscope Media, Inc. provides services in publicity management, public relations, brand development, digital and social media, event planning, sponsorship, strategic communications, and content creation. They have worked with companies including Red Earth Trading Co., Dollar General, Boot Barn, Bonnaroo, and Juice Nashville.

richlyn-marketing-logo

Richlyn Marketing is a public relations firm located in Nashville, Tennessee that has over 100 years of combined experience. In their nine years of being in business, they have assisted nearly 80 clients. Richlyn Marketing assists business in areas such as public relations, media relations, strategic marketing, brand essence and development, social media marketing, digital marketing, customer engagement, event management, and artist relations. They have worked for Doobie Brothers, John Oates, Griffin House, the Folk Music Hall of Fame, producer/engineer Mickey Jack Cones, C.F. Martin & Co., and more.

 

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Splash! Public Relations was founded by Vanessa Parker-Davis. She has nearly two decades of experience in various fields involving the music industry and publishing. Parker-Davis has also worked for Capitol Records and Atlantic Records, and with artists including Jeremy McComb, Jason Sturgeon, Tim Rushlow, Brett Kissel, and The Swon Brothers.

 

sweet-talk-publicity

Sweet Talk Publicity, founded in 2008 by Jensen Sussman, is a music media and entertainment public relations firm that has worked with clients including Florida Georgia Line, Kelsea Ballerini, and Dustin Lynch. Prior to opening her firm, Sussman served as Associate Director, Publicity at Warner Music Nashville. Previously, Sussman was Associate Director, Media for Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records Nashville. She has also worked at Equity Music Group and at PR firm Tractenberg & Co. in New York City.

For a full list of Nashville PR companies selected as Expertise.com’s Best PR Firms For 2016, visit expertise.com.

Mark Your Calendar — January 2017

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Industry Events

cma-touringJanuary 13-16
8th annual 30A Songwriters Festival

January 13
Final Grammy ballot due

January 18
People’s Choice Awards live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles at 9:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT on the CBS

January 23
CMA Touring Awards 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the CMHoF

January 24
ACM second round voting closes

 

Single Add Dates

shaneowensallthebeerinalabamaJanuary 2
Kenny Chesney/Bar At The End Of The World/Blue Chair-Columbia Nashville

January 9
Brett Young/In Case You Didn’t Know/BMLG Records

January 17
Brothers Osborne/It Ain’t My Fault/EMI Nashville

January 23
Shane Owens/All the Beer In Alabama/AmeriMonte Records
Michael Tyler/They Can’t See/Reviver Records
Southern Halo/Living Like That/Southern Halo Records

January 30
Chelsea Bain/Drinkin’ Alone/Turn 3 Records

 

Album Releases

lauren-alaina-road-less-traveledJanuary 6
Ray Benson and Dale Watson/Dale & Ray/Ameripolitan-Home Records-Mailboat Records

January 13
Natalie Hemby/Puxico/CN Records
Jeannie Seely/Written In Song/Smith Music Group

January 27
Lauren Alaina/Road Less Traveled/Mercury Nashville-19-Interscope Records
Brantley Gilbert/The Devil Don’t Sleep/The Valory Music Co.

Eric Church Earns Top NMPA Certification for November 2016

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Eric Church

The National Music Publishers Association has announced its top gold and platinum songwriter certifications for November 2016. Eric Church landed in the top spot with eight certifications. Church received both Platinum and Gold certifications for “Talladega” and “Wrecking Ball,” Platinum for “Love Your Love The Most” and “Creepin’,” and Gold for “Cold One” and “Guys Like Me.”

Casey Beathard also received three certifications including a platinum award for “Like Jesus Does,” and a platinum and gold certification for “Like A Wrecking Ball.”

Christopher Steven Brown was also honored with five certifications including “7 Years” certified Multi-Platinum, “Bow Chicka Wow Wow” certified Platinum and Gold,  and “24k Magic” and “Mama Says” certified Gold.

Tyler Joseph from Twenty One Pilots also received three Multi-Platinum certifications for “Heathens,” “Ride,” and “Stressed Out.”

After Sony/ATV has dominated the top publishers list for the past three months, this month Warner/Chappell takes the top spot with 45 certifications.

The top publishers included:

Warner/Chappell: 45 certifications
Gold: 17
Platinum: 12
Multi-Platinum: 16

SONY/ATV Music Publishing: 33 certifications
Gold: 16
Platinum: 12
Multi-Platinum: 5

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG): 17 certifications
Gold: 7
Platinum: 6
Multi-Platinum: 4

Kobalt Music: 14 certifications
Gold: 6
Platinum: 4
Multi-Platinum: 4

BMG: 12 certifications
Gold: 7
Platinum: 2
Multi-Platinum: 3

Disney Music Group: 6 certifications
Gold: 3
Platinum: 3

ole Music Management: 2 certifications
Platinum: 1
Multi-Platinum: 1

Reach Music: 2 certifications
Gold: 1
Platinum: 1

Black River Entertainment: 2 certifications (Platinum)

Bicycle Music: 1 certification (Multi-Platinum)

The Administration, MP: 1 certification (Platinum)

MPL Communications: 1 certification (Gold)

Sea Gayle Music (Clearbox Rights): 1 certification (Gold)

Music Services, Inc.: 1 certification (Gold)

Pulse Music Publishing: 1 certification (Gold)

Spirit Music: 1 certification (Gold)

Red Bull Music: 1 certification (Gold)

 

MusicRowLife Engagements: Sam Hunt, Kelsea Ballerini, Kacey Musgraves, William Michael Morgan, Jennifer Wayne

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Sam Hunt and Hannah Lee Fowler. Photo: Sam Hunt/Instagram

Love was definitely in the air in December as several artists celebrated the holidays in a big way, announcing engagements during the Christmas/New Year’s break. Sam Hunt will tie the knot with girlfriend Hannah Lee Fowler, according to People.com. Fowler was the inspiration behind the songs on Hunt’s debut CD Montevallo, which was named after her hometown, and the two have reportedly been traveling the world in recent months, posting shots from locales like Israel. Hunt released a new song, “Drinkin’ Too Much,” via Soundcloud over the holiday.

kelsea ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini with Morgan Evans. Photo: Kelsea Ballerini/Instagram

Kelsea Ballerini also received a sparkler from her country singer beau Morgan Evans this Christmas. Ballerini posted a pic of the happy day with all the details on Instagram. The two have been dating for nine months, and Ballerini shared that “loving him has been the greatest gift of my life. And now I get to do it for life. #HeCalledDibs.”

photo by Kelly Christine Sutton

Kacey Musgraves with Ruston Kelley. Photo: Kelly Christine Sutton

Kacey Musgraves got the “best Christmas present ever” when boyfriend Ruston Kelley proposed to her in the house she grew up in on Christmas Eve. The couple shared the news on Instagram, with Musgraves posting, “I didn’t say yes…I said HELL YESSSS.” Last night the best man I’ve ever met got down on one knee in my little pink childhood home..in the same room I played with my ponies and barbies and asked me the easiest question I’ve ever been asked. The song ‘Two For The Road’ by Henry Mancini was playing (this song is so emotional and sweet..it’s one of my favorites..you have to go listen) and he was on his knee with a baby pink velvet ring box and the sparkliest thing I’ve ever seen! It was so special. Of all the places in the world I’ve gotten to see, nowhere could mean more than this happening in tiny Golden, Texas in the house that completely made me who I am.”

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William Michael Morgan with Jennifer Wayne. Photo: Jennifer Wayne/Instagram

William Michael Morgan also announced a few days after Christmas that he and girlfriend Jennifer Wayne of Runaway June will head down the aisle in 2017. Wayne posted a photo of her new ring on Twitter with a sweet shot of the two captioned “my heart.” Both Morgan and Wayne’s Runaway June were selected by MusicRow as 2017 Next Big Thing artists.

BMI Files Action Against RMLC

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rmlc-logoBMI has filed an action in Federal Rate Court today (Jan. 3) to set interim fees for radio stations represented by the Radio Music License Committee (RMLC) while BMI and the RMLC negotiate the terms of a new five-year deal beginning in 2017.

The RMLC has proposed an interim rate well below BMI’s previous deal, the effect of which would have a significant impact on the royalties BMI pays to its songwriters, composers and music publishers. The RMLC is said to have justified its proposed rate based upon “incomplete and incorrect information regarding BMI’s radio performances” according to a statement from the PRO. “BMI disagrees fundamentally with the RMLC’s proposal and, consistent with past practices, is asking the Court to maintain its most recent rate while new terms are negotiated,” the statement continued.

Mike Steinberg, Senior Vice President of Licensing for BMI, stated, “We attempted to negotiate in good faith with the RMLC for many months, and just before the end of the year, the RMLC presented an interim rate that significantly undervalues the work of BMI’s songwriters. Given the unmatched caliber of BMI’s repertoire, our superior market share on radio, and the ever-increasing value that BMI music brings to the radio industry across all its platforms, we believe the RMLC’s proposal falls well short of what is in the best interests of our affiliates.”

The decision comes after a Dec. 24 announcement that Global Music Rights (GMR) has agreed to an interim license with RMLC stations, through September 30, 2017, providing the newest PRO additional time to negotiate long-term licenses.

Keith Gale Leaves Sony To Manage Jake Owen

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Keith Gale

Keith Gale

Keith Gale has exited his role as Sr. VP/Promotion for RCA, leaving the label home after 22 years. Gale has teamed with RCA Nashville artist Jake Owen and Owen’s Director of Tour Marketing/Sponsorships Jon Andolina to form a new management company.

Gale will serve as Owen’s manager.

Owen’s new booking agency is expected to announced soon as well. Owen’s booking and management were previously handled by Morris Higham Management.

Gale joined RCA in NE Promotion in 1994. He rose through the company ranks, being named Director of National Promotion in 1997, Sr. Director in 1999, VP in 2006, and Sr. VP in 2012.

Bluegrass Duo Dailey & Vincent To Become Newest Grand Ole Opry Members

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Pictured: Marty Stuart, Dailey & Vincent. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry®

Pictured: Marty Stuart, Dailey & Vincent. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry®

Country music stalwart Marty Stuart surprised bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent with an esteemed honor during an appearance at the Ryman Auditorium on Dec. 30, when Stuart invited the duo to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. Dailey & Vincent will be formally inducted on Saturday, March 11.

Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent were there to celebrate their 10th year as a duo, which began on the Opry at the Ryman stage in 2007. The evening also marked the duo’s 100th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

“Country music needs you. Country music loves you. And the Grand Ole Opry welcomes you,” Stuart said while extending the invitation.

“This is one of the most special things that has ever happened to us,” Dailey said. “We’re so thankful.”

Vincent added, “I have no words. I’m so honored. The Lord is so faithful to us.”

“Dailey & Vincent have thoroughly entertained thousands of fans on the Opry stage over the past decade,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent embody so much about what fans love about the Opry. They have a tremendous respect for tradition, and they’re also innovators committed to the future of the music they love. We’re excited to welcome them as official members of the family in March.”

 

LifeNotes: Veteran Music Row Personality Ruth White Passes

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Ruth White (Front row, far left), along with her fellow SOURCE Honorees in 2010, Frances W. Preston, Carol Phillips, Liz Thiels, Celia Froehlig, and Sherytha Scaife. Photo: Denise Fussell

Ruth White (front row, far left), along with her fellow SOURCE Honorees in 2010, including Frances W. Preston, Carol Phillips, Liz Thiels, Celia Froehlig, and Sherytha Scaife. Photo: Denise Fussell

Ruth B. White has passed away at age 87.

A 2010 SOURCE honoree, White spent her life involved in the music business, working in publishing, office management, record label operations and music retailing. Late in life, she became a country historian with several published books.

She began her career as a teenager playing piano in a Nashville dance band led by Bill Wiseman. She graduated from East Nashville High School in 1947 and majored in music at Ward-Belmont College. She then played piano to sell sheet music at Strobel’s Music Shop in the Arcade downtown. At the time, this was Nashville’s leading music emporium.

She next managed Zibarts’ record store. By the 1960s, she was employed at WSM radio’s Music Library. Steel guitarist Howard White (1926-2008) approached her to run his publishing company, Locomotive Music, in 1964. She married him a year later.

Ruth White spent the bulk of her career as a copyright administrator. Among the songwriters she aided were Carmol Taylor, Norro Wilson, Sonny James, Gary Gentry, Joe Stampley and the Nashville Superpickers.

But her odyssey also includes stints with Hickory Records, October Records, Sounds of Nashville, Reed Music, Inc. and Sound Factory Records. By the mid-1980s, Ruth White was running Porter Wagoner Enterprises, handling the star’s publishing, booking and production operations. Next, she worked at Country International Records, an independent label owned by Sherman Ford.

Husband Howard White yearned to tell the story of his life in country music as a picker for Country Music Hall of Fame greats Hank Snow, Don Gibson, Minnie Pearl, Jim Reeves, Ferlin Husky, Jean Shepard, Grandpa Jones, Mel Tillis and others. So Ruth co-wrote Every Highway Out of Nashville with him. In 1990, it was published as her first book.

Her subsequent music-history books included The Original Goober (with Goober Buchanan, 2004), You Can Make It If You Try (with Ted Jarrett, 2005), Nashville Steeler (with Don Davis, 2012), Every Highway Out of Nashville Volume Two (2014) and Knoxville’s Merry-Go-Round (2016).

She was honored by SOURCE as one of the behind-the-scenes women who built Music City. Her fellow 2010 honorees of that organization were Liz Thiels, Celia Froehlig, Sherytha Scaife, Frances Preston and Carol Phillips.

Ruth Carolyn Bland White died on Dec. 30, 2016. She is survived by son Robert C. Kirkham and by daughter Kathleen E. White. Per her wishes, no services will be held. Contributions to any local animal shelter in her name are welcomed.