Artist Action: Cam, Unlikely Heroes, Jimmy Wayne, Darryl Worley

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Cam Named Spokesperson In John Frieda Campaign

Cam has been chosen by John Frieda Hair Care and iHeartMedia to join its “Your Hair Talks, Make A Statement” campaign.  Launched in February with platinum-selling singer Tinashe, the campaign encourages women to show off their statement-making looks.

“I love being a part of the Your Hair Talks, Make A Statement campaign. There are so many women and girls that will see this and get psyched about their curly hair,” Cam says. “Be yourself, be unapologetic, the world needs you to be you.”

 

Unlikely Heroes Hosts George Michael Tribute

Unlikely Heroes is hosting Nights Of Freedom, a tribute gala to honor George Michael, that will benefit the work the organization does to help victims of sex trafficking around the globe. Cassadee Pope, Desmond Child, James Slater, Sara Evans, Shane Stevens, and more will appear at the More-sponsored benefit May 2 at the City Winery in Nashville. Tickets for the event, which will be hosted by Savannah Chrisley, are available here.

 

Jimmy Wayne Honored As Verizon Community Maker

Jimmy Wayne was chosen to keynote Verizon’s national conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday (April 11) and was presented with its new “Community Maker” award, an honor created specifically for Jimmy in recognition of his tireless work on behalf of homeless teens and children in foster care. Among his many efforts on behalf of kids in need, Wayne helped with the donation of two VGo robots to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The 4-foot-tall robots are equipped with a camera, microphone and video display and help ill, homebound kids connect with their classmates via Wi-Fi coverage.

 

Darryl Worley To Be Commended By Tennessee House Of Representatives

Darryl Worley will be honored by the Tennessee House of Representatives on April 20 for his years of charitable contributions.  State Representative David Byrd will recognize Worley on the House Floor of the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville for his “meritorious service to the citizens of the State of Tennessee” through his Darryl Worley Foundation, The Leader In Me program, the Tennessee River Run, and his patriotism and support to those serving in the United States Armed Forces.

DISClaimer: Americana’s Top-Shelf Stars, Sizzling Newcomers In The Spotlight

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Americana, country music’s kissing cousin, today shows that it can field a team of writer-artists that’s easily the equal of Music Row’s most commercial record makers.

Malcolm Holcombe, Sunny Sweeney, Tift Merritt and Chip Taylor all have gripping tales to tell this week.

So does singer-songwriter Matt Urmy, who hauls in the DisCovery Award.

The Disc of the Day is a tie between David Olney, who is a songwriter’s songwriter, and the always enthralling Rodney Crowell, who dazzles with words as well as the star power of his trio with John Paul White and Rosanne Cash.

TIFT MERRITT/Love Soldiers On
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Yep Roc (track)
– The latest collection from this outstanding writer-artist is title Stitch of the World. Its first emphasis track is smokey, bluesy, languid tune. Her soprano hesitates and drawls in all the right places as she delivers its message of believing in the ultimately healing power of love.

DAVID OLNEY/Don’t Try To Fight It
Writers: Olney/Kane; Producer: Brock Zeman; Publishers: Red Lily/Little Duck, ASCAP/SESAC; Red Parlor (track)
– The great Olney returns with this moody, groovy title track of his latest CD. His protagonist gazes into a dark, dank world and concludes that it’s best to go with the flow. The track rumbles and grumbles around him, offering its own commentary on the status quo. Elsewhere on the collection are his eclectic, eccentric characters who fulminate, lie, steal, love and think too much. As usual, the songs are fantastic. The imaginative textures added by his new producer Zeman make this the most splendid David Olney album in years.

JESSI COLTER/Mercy and Loving Kindness (Psalm 136)
Writers: Jessi Colter; Producer: Lenny Kaye; Publishers: none listed; Legacy (track)
– Colter’s new collection’s lyrics are all drawn from the Bible’s psalms. She adds distinctive melodies based on her inimitable piano style. On this track, producer Kaye mixes in mandolin, mellotron, bass and wafting backing vocals. The effect is quite lovely, in an airy, inspirational kinda way. Jessi Colter’s other current project, by the way, is a gentle, gracious memoir titled An Outlaw and a Lady.

 

MATT URMY & JOHN PRINE/Out Of The Ashes
Writers: Matt Urmy; Producers: Cowboy Jack Clement/ Matt Urmy; Publishers: none listed; Tritone (track)
– Nashville singer-songwriter Matt Urmy was thrilled when the late, legendary Jack Clement agreed to work with him. When the album was nearly completed in 2010, Clement’s studio/home burned and Urmy believed his record had literally gone up in smoke. Miraculously, its raw files were saved. To celebrate, Urmy wrote this for Clement as a phoenix statement. John Prine agreed to make it a duet, and the addition of a chorus added just the right gospel flavor. Now, it is the collection’s title tune.

THE MAVERICKS/Damned (If You Do)
Writers: Raul Malo/Alan Miller; Producer: Raul Malo/Miko Bolas; Publishers: Malo/Wixen/Miller’s Tale/Me Gusta; BMI/ASCAP; Mondo Mundo/Thirty Tigers
– The debut single from The Mavericks’ just-released Brand New Day album is relentless, low burning, torrid, midtempo track that explores the swirling conflicts of romance. The sizzling electric guitar, blazing accordion and churning percussion are particular audio delights.

SUNNY SWEENEY/Better Bad Idea
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Brainard; Publishers: none listed; Thirty Tigers
– In any kind of a just universe, this woman would be a country superstar. Alas, she is too country for country. On this track from her new Trophy album, she rocks smartly with a tangy Texas twang and some snarling backing instrumentation. On the rest of this sterling collection, you’ll find booze, pills, divorce, longing, death, celebration and many other topics that make her one of our most credible and authentic roots artists. Highly recommended.

 

RODNEY CROWELL, JOHN PAUL WHITE, & ROSANNE CASH/It Ain’t Over Yet
Writers: Rodney Crowell; Producers: Jordan Lehning/Kim Bule; Publishers: Coolwell, ASCAP; New West (track)
– Crowell has just issued Close Ties as his once-more victorious return to fighting form as a writer. This track meditates on aging and experience with a track that clicks along at a sprightly pace. The dazzling lyric is made even more vivid as his guests take their turns as singers. Then the trio singing at the finale adds the icing on the cake. Mickey Raphael closes the whole thing out with a harmonica solo. P.S.: Buy this one on vinyl.

MALCOLM HOLCOMBE/Pretty Little Troubles
Writers: Malcolm Holcombe; Producer: Darrell Scott; Publishers: Gypsy Eyes, BMI; Gypsy Eyes (track)
– Holcombe’s blues-soaked, whiskey rasp makes him sound aged and barely coherent. But as he drawls his way through this lightly swinging title tune of his latest collection, you smile and nod in sympathy. Why complain? You’ll still be just as broke and busted whether you do or you don’t. Producer Scott has surrounded this ol’ boy with an awesome studio band. You’ll savor every note, as well as every lyric.

CHIP TAYLOR/A Song I Can Live With
Writers: Chip Taylor, Producers: Goran Grini/Chip Taylor; Publishers: Back Road/Sony, BMI; Train Wreck (track)
– Thanks to “Wild Thing,” “Angel of the Morning,” “Any Way That You Want Me,” “I Can Make It With You,” “Son of a Rotten Gambler” and “Try Just a Little Bit Harder,” Taylor entered the Songwriters Hall of Fame last year. After a career as a country-rock pioneer, he left music in 1980 to become a professional gambler. Since returning in 1996, he has become one of Americana music’s most prolific record makers. This slow, measured title ballad of his latest, is delivered in a whispered vocal as he vows undying love and prays for a final great musical statement. It practically makes you hold your breath as you listen.

BETH GARNER/Snake Farm
Writers: Hubbard; Producer: Beth Garner/Randy Kohrs; Publishers: none listed; The Music of Nashville (track)
– The title tune of this lady’s CD is the only song on it that she didn’t write. Its author is Ray Wylie Hubbard, who is being inducted into Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame this year. Garner delivers it with plenty of personality. Also plenty of electric-blues guitar, since she’s an ace picker, as well as a writer and singer. Garner has paid dues in the honky tonks of Lower Broadway for years, and her experience shows in the confidence and professionalism that’s all over this collection. Blues and roots-rock programmers take heed.

 

LifeNotes: Tour Manager Jan Elliott Passes

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Jan Elliott

Jan Elliott, tour manager/lighting director, passed away from cancer on Sunday, April 9, at the TriStar Alive Hospice. Elliott, who most recently served as tour manager for Janis Ian, has worked with Emmylou Harris, The Dixie Chicks, Michelle Wright, The Bee Gees, and The Eagles.

A celebration of life has been set for Friday, April 14, at 2157 Riverway Drive, Old Hickory, TN 37138, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

“I have had the good fortune to have always been surrounded by great musicians, tour managers, lighting directors and other team members throughout my career so …it is with deep sadness that I share that Jan Elliott who was my tour manager and lighting director for many years passed away today,” said Michelle Wright. “The last 11 years found her courageously fighting against cancer. We travelled the world together and had so many great times together. She was simply a beautiful human being. Rest In Peace dear sweet Jan.”

 

Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Announces Show Lineups

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Willie Nelson is taking his Outlaw Music Festival on the road this summer to six cities, and he’s announced the lineup for the July shows. The artists who will appear on the shows in various configurations are Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan and His Band, The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, My Morning Jacket, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Margo Price, Hayes Carll, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

The first leg of shows kicks off in New Orleans on July 1, and each date will feature local cuisine, craft beers, and crafts by local artists. Tickets for the general public go on sale April 21, with VIP packages including great seats, a premier parking pass, and exclusive festival merchandise available.

JULY 1
NEW ORLEANS, LA – SHRINE ON AIRLINE
Willie Nelson & Family

The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
Other Artists To Be Announced

JULY 2
DALLAS, TX – STARPLEX PAVILION
Willie Nelson & Family
Sheryl Crow
The Avett Brothers
Hayes Carll
Margo Price
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real

JULY 6
ROGERS, AR – WALMART ARKANSAS MUSIC PAVILION
Willie Nelson & Family
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
Sheryl Crow
Margo Price
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real

JULY 8
DETROIT, MI – JOE LOUIS ARENA
Willie Nelson & Family
Bob Dylan and His Band
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real

JULY 9
MILWAUKEE, WI – SUMMERFEST
Willie Nelson & Family
Bob Dylan and His Band
Sheryl Crow
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Margo Price
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real

JULY 16
SYRACUSE, NY – LAKEVIEW AMPHITHEATER
Willie Nelson & Family
My Morning Jacket
Sheryl Crow
Margo Price

Exit/In Offers Ultimate Guilty Pleasures Show With ’90s Country Throwback

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(L-R): Adam Craig, Dustin Lynch, Craig Campbell, Storme Warren, Adam Sanders, Lauren Alaina, Michael Ray. Photo: Alex Ferrari

Nineties night at the Exit/In last night (April 11) conjured up some hits from the decade and offered plenty of fun surprises for those in attendance, as artists Adam Craig, Adam Sanders, Craig Campbell, Dustin Lynch, Lauren Alaina and Michael Ray all came together to sing some of their favorite hits of the bygone decade.

Adam Craig kicked off the night and was joined by Craig Campbell to harmonize on BlackHawk’s “Goodbye Says It All.” During Adam Sanders’ set, Mark Wills walked out to join Sanders on “She’s In Love.” Michael Ray offered up a fun rendition of “John Deere Green” and invited Marty Raybon and Mike McGuire of Shenandoah to the stage to collaborate on their hit “Two Dozen Roses,” followed by an impromptu, unrehearsed version of “The Church On Cumberland Road.”

During Lauren Alaina’s set, Martina McBride got in on the fun, joining her for “This One’s For The Girls,” and the fun-filled, nostalgia-packed evening capped off with Dustin Lynch, who brought Rhett Akins out to sing Akins’ first No. 1 single “That Ain’t My Truck,” followed by an all-star packed-stage rendition of “Friends In Low Places” to close out the night.

Pictured (L-R): Shenandoah’s Marty Raybon, Michael Ray, Johnstone Entertainment’s Cole Johnstone, Shenandoah’s Mike McGuire

Sony Music Nashville Promotes Jim Catino

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Jim Catino

Sony Music Nashville’s Jim Catino has been promoted to Senior Vice President, A&R. Most recently Vice President of A&R, Catino is a 22-year music industry veteran who first joined the label group in October of 2001. Based in Nashville, he continues to report directly to Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman.

In his new role, Catino will continue signing and developing artists with Sony Music Nashville’s three labels – Arista Nashville, Columbia Nashville, and RCA Nashville – and, overseeing the A&R team which includes Senior Director Taylor Lindsey, Associate Director John Johnson and A&R Representative Margaret Tomlin.

“I’m excited to be making this announcement today,” said Goodman. “Since arriving at Sony Music Nashville 21 months ago, I’ve been impressed with Jim’s ‘ears’ and sensibilities as well as the great team that he’s built around him. He’s always looking to do the right thing as it relates to the artists and their music and has been the driver of some of our great, early successes.”

“It has been an honor to be a part of the Sony Family over the past 15 years,” Catino says. “My A&R experiences have been so rewarding. I’m grateful to Randy for the opportunities he’s given me, particularly entrusting me with our A&R focus going forward. We’re creating an exciting, fresh culture that is so artist and music friendly. Randy has allowed our A&R team to lead that charge in new ways.”

Prior to joining Sony Music Nashville, Catino held posts at DreamWorks Music Publishing, Giant Records and MCA Music Publishing. At each company, he worked closely with songwriters and secured copyrights.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Catino graduated from Belmont University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Music Business. He serves on the Board of Belmont’s Music Business Department and is a member of the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, Leadership Music and The Recording Academy, including the P&E Wing.

Catino and his wife Molly and daughters Katy and Kelly reside in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Brett James’ Cornman Music Launches Management Division

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Shea Fowler

Cornman Music has launched CornMGMT, which will be helmed by former Cornman Music Creative Director Shea Fowler. Additionally, Rakiyah Marshall has been added to the Cornman Music family as Creative Director.

“As Shea Fowler takes over the helm of our CornMGMT team, we are super excited to have Rakiyah Marshall joining our Cornman Music family as Creative Director,” said Brett James, who started the boutique publishing company in 2007. “She’s the perfect blend of youth and experience and her warmth and sense of humor make her the perfect fit.”

Fowler will oversee management for Cornman Music’s Caitlyn Smith who was recently announced as one of Monument Records’ flagship artists under the label helmed by Jason Owen and Shane McAnally.

“I am so excited and honored to be to be a part of the Cornman Music family, owned by acclaimed songwriter Brett James, who has given me the opportunity to work with such talented writers and a rich catalogue of hits,” Marshall said. “Looking forward to this new journey and the chance to discover homes for some great songs.”

Rakiyah Marshall

Housed on Music Row in Nashville, Cornman Music’s roster of artists and songwriters include Kip Moore, Justin Weaver, Steven Lee Olsen, Josh Mirenda, Nick Brophy, Josh Miller and Smith. Cornman is a co-venture with Warner/Chappell and has had hits such as Meghan Trainor and John Legend’s duet “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and Dierks Bentley’s “Somewhere On A Beach,” among other cuts by Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean and many others.

Marshall, a native New Yorker, is a graduate of Seton Hall University with a B.A. in Broadcasting/Business Administration. Following graduation, she spent two years in Marketing at Verve Label Group. After her time at Verve, Marshall joined Republic Records radio promotion team working with artists such as Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and The Weeknd. Her passion for country music led her to Nashville. She can be reached at [email protected].

Fowler has served as Creative Director at Cornman Music since 2012. A graduate of Belmont University with a B.S. in Entertainment Industry Studies, Fowler worked as the A&R Coordinator at Big Machine Label Group for three years before joining Cornman Music. She can be reached at [email protected].

CMA Music Festival To Debut ‘Forever Country’ Stage

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Fans of old school country will be happy to know that the CMA Music Festival has added a new “Forever Country” stage in the park space behind Ascend Amphitheater during Music Fest week. The new stage will feature performances by country acts from the 80’s, 90’s, and 00’s including Jeff Bates, Bellamy Brothers, John Berry, Mark Chesnutt, Confederate Railroad, George Ducas, Emerson Drive, Exile, Andy Griggs, Ty Herndon, “Honky Tonkin’ with Tracy Lawrence and Friends”, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Little Texas, Lonestar, Mila Mason, Terry McBride, Rick Monroe, Jamie O’Neal, James Otto, Danielle Peck, Trick Pony, Collin Raye, Restless Heart, Julie Roberts, Ray Scott, Shenandoah, Doug Supernaw, Rhonda Vincent and Daryle Singletary, Lari White, Mark Wills, and Darryl Worley.

Additionally, the the Music City Stage returns for a second year, located in the Nashville Visitor Center at Bridgestone Arena. Nashville Convention and Visitor Corp’s Music City Stage is the only free, air-conditioned, indoor festival stage, offering fans a convenient place to escape the heat while still catching entertainment from some of country’s newest rising stars.

Appearing on the Music City Stage Thursday through Sunday are Jimmie Allen, Sammy Arriaga, Kassi Ashton, Maggie Baugh, Brennley Brown, Brian Callihan, Dallas Caroline, Jessie Chris, Julia Cole, Nora Collins, Dalton & the Sheriffs, Shelly Fairchild, Kenny Foster, Livy Jeanne, Jessie Key, Colm Kirwan, McCoy, Tristan McIntosh, Megan & Liz, Native Run, Camille Rae, Mary Sarah, Zach Seabaugh, CJ Solar, Scott Stevens, Sweet Tea Trio, Mitchell Tenpenny, The Hootz, Kasey Tyndall, and James Robert Webb.

On Sunday ASCAP Presents at the Music City Stage will showcase artists Raquel Cole, Crooked King, Dorado, Adam Hambrick, Lucas Hoge, Martin McDaniel, Post Monroe, Brandon Ratcliff, Sarah Allison Turner, and Anna Vaus.

“We focus on programming unforgettable performances on every stage and thank our returning partners for helping us to do that, while also offering unique activities and experiences for fans,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern.

Industry Ink: Deluge Music, Gordon Law, BMG, BMI, Eastside Sounds

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Thornley Joins Deluge Music

Pictured (L-R): Mason Thornley, Mark Friedman (President Deluge Music) and Emily Dryburgh (Creative Manager, Deluge Music)

Deluge Music has signed songwriter Mason Thornley. “Mason is extremely talented and will be a force in this town very soon! I’m thrilled to have him as part of the Deluge Music family!” says Mark Friedman, President of Deluge Music.

 

Chuck Allen Floyd Joins Gordon Law

Gordon Law Group has added attorney Chuck Allen Floyd to the practice. Floyd joins the firm with a wealth of experience within the music industry, having been a staff songwriter at Blacktop Music Group, a touring performer in the Oklahoma/Texas Red Dirt market, and as an entertainment and business attorney at his own firm, the Floyd Law Office.

 

BMG To Publish Music Book Series

BMG is entering the book publishing realm with its first publication celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Zombies’ 1968 classic album, Odessey and Oracle. The book is the first in a series of music-related hardcovers, softcovers, e-books, photo books, and associated projects from BMG that will explore the intersection between music and culture. Award-winning author Scott Bomar is coordinating BMG’s new books list.

 

J. Human And The New Respects Come To The East Side

BMI and the newly revamped ALT 97.5 are presenting a new edition of Eastside Sounds, featuring J.Human and The New Respects April 18 at the Basement East. The show is free and features a happy half-hour from 6 to 6:30 p.m., sponsored by Jim Beam.

Dan Fernandez Joins Big Deal Music

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Dan Fernandez has signed a publishing deal with Big Deal Music.  Fernandez is a multi-genre writer.

“When I grow up, I want to be as cool as Dan. We are so thrilled to have him as part of the Big Deal family and look forward to helping share his talents,” says Greg Gallo, Senior Creative Director for Big Deal Music.

“I’m excited to be making music with good friends,” said Fernandez about the new association.