LifeNotes: Former Songwriter Bob Forshee Dies

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Bob Forshee

Musician Bob Forshee passed away peacefully at age 80 on Thursday, May 11, surrounded by his family.

Forshee had a 36-year career with State Farm Insurance. But in the early 1960s, he was a Nashville songwriter whose works were recorded by such Grand Ole Opry stars as Jan Howard, Jimmy C. Newman and Skeeter Davis.

He was a 1959 graduate of the University of Missouri who worked as a schoolteacher before moving to Nashville to pursue his songwriting aspirations. Signed by Ray Price’s Pamper Music in 1962, Forshee had a number of songs recorded during the next three years. Burl Ives, Paul Peek, Connie Francis, Jake & Josh, Mac Wiseman, Linda Manning and Sonny Williams were among the artists who released Forshee’s songs.

The songwriter’s biggest copyrights were Darrell McCall’s Top 20 country success “A Stranger Was Here” and Top 30 country hits by Buddy Meredith (1962’s “I May Fall Again”) and Hank Cochran (1963’s “A Good Country Song”).

Forshee also had success in pop and r&b thanks to Etta James recording his “Would It Make Any Difference to You” and “I’d Like to Hear That Song Again” in 1963.

In more recent years, “I May Fall Again” has been revived by Johnny Rodriguez in 1996 and by Paul Pace in 2003.

The songwriter’s Pamper contract evidently expired around 1966. He left music professionally, but played guitar at home for the rest of his life. Survivors include Nancy Stasser Forshee, his wife of more than 50 years, plus daughter Sharon, sons David and Mark, brother Tom and five grandchildren. A celebration of his life was held privately.

A gathering of family and friends is scheduled for Thursday, May 25, from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. at Woodlawn Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, located at 660 Thompson Lane in Nashville.

Brandy Clark Triumphs At Nashville’s City Winery

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Song for song, Brandy Clark might be the finest young writer-artist working in music today.

She stated her case in two, triumphant, sold-out shows at City Winery over this past weekend. In performance after performance, she was greeted by rapturous applause. Her devoted followers often began clapping at the first instrumental notes of songs that they had obviously committed to memory.

Clark mixed material from her masterful 2013 collection 12 Stories with songs drawn from her current Big Day in a Small Town album. Listening to either dazzling collection can be a jaw-dropping experience as each song seems as perfectly crafted as the one before.

Her songwriting brilliance was matched by her breezy, immensely likeable stage personna. Clark’s wry comments in between tunes were easy-going, charming and pithy.

The Belmont graduate’s songs were breathtaking, whether she was breaking hearts with the ballad “Hold My Hand,” humorously threatening homicide in “Stripes,” describing the deadened emotions of “The Day She Got Divorced” or splitting from a drunk lover via the rhythmic “Hungover.” All of these can be found on 12 Stories.

She described a series of tunes that included that album’s “Get High” as “the substance-abuse portion of our show.” Clark also introduced a new song, “When I Get To Drinkin,’” which will be on her upcoming live album. A preview of it was released on Record Store Day.

“Someday, I want to do a whole album of drinking songs,” she commented. “No, I’m serious.”

The Big Day in a Small Town songs were equally potent. Clark is a strikingly empathetic writer, expertly sketching a portrait of a struggling mother in “Three Kids, No Husband.” She wryly described “Daughter” as “a revenge song,” since it wishes that her ex has an offspring who breaks his heart.

Charlie Worsham. Photo: Allister Ann

Even when being ironic, her deep humanity shines through her lyrics. “Broke” and “Love Can Go to Hell” were excellent examples of this. “Girl Next Door” used humor to tell her truth. Yet as we chuckled over her wit, she tossed in the profoundly moving, conflicted and aching “You Can Come Over.”

Her emotional-bullseye vocal delivery and excellent acoustic guitar playing were backed by a simple bass, keyboard and/or guitar accompaniment. Intriguingly, Clark’s set did not rely on any of the familiar hits she’s written for others, such as Miranda Lambert’s “Mama’s Broken Heart,” The Band Perry’s “Better Dig Two” or Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow.”

One segment of her show featured Clark trading country oldies with her opening act, Charlie Worsham. She chose Loretta Lynn’s “You Ain’t Woman Enough to Take My Man.” He tried the Kenny Rogers classic “Sweet Music Man” and, oddly, the singularly unattractive Conway Twitty hit “Tight Fittin’ Jeans.”

Worsham’s opening-act set featured blazing solo guitar work, looped percussion tracks and sure-footed tenor singing. He largely emphasized the songs on his just-released sophomore collection The Beginning of Things. Like Clark, he left the audience applauding wildly.

On Friday evening, Brandy Clark bid us farewell with her vivid, blue-collar, hard-luck bopper “Pray to Jesus.” Then she returned to the venue to leave another another spellbound audience on its feet in ovation on Sunday.

Carrie Underwood To Be Inducted Into Oklahoma Hall Of Fame

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Carrie Underwood.

The Oklahoma Hall of Fame has officially announced its 90th Class of 2017 honorees, and among the new honorees is reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Carrie Underwood. Underwood will be honored during an induction ceremony in Oklahoma City on Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Cox Convention Center. The evening will be emceed by past Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductees Vince Gill and Kristin Chenoweth.

“I’ve always been proud to say I’m from Oklahoma,” Underwood said. “The people, culture, and environment molded me into the person I am today. It’s such an honor to be recognized among such great company by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame!”

The 2017 Class also includes Justice Tom Colbert, Sapulpa; Congressman Tom Cole, Moore; Bob Funk, Piedmont; Shannon Miller, Edmond; Phil Parduhn, Edmond; and Hal Smith, Ardmore. Those individuals who will be honored posthumously are Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher, Chickasha; and Sequoyah, the Cherokee Nation I.T.

Previous inductees include fellow country artists Toby Keith, Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton and more.

Along with being honored at the formal induction ceremony, the 2017 Honorees will be recognized in November with the unveiling of their portraits at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. In addition, their biographies, photos and fun facts will be accessible through interactive exhibits.

CMA Music Fest’s Fan Fair X To Host Hundreds Of Artists

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The Xfinity Fan Fair X attraction at CMA Music Fest promises plenty of fun for festival attendees this year, with more than 350,000 square feet of air-conditioned fun and entertainment June 8-11 (9:30 AM-5:00 PM) at Music City Center in downtown Nashville. Fans can meet rising stars and icons, enjoy concerts, see interactive celebrity panels, and more, and this year Brad Paisley and Martina McBride have already been confirmed to appear as Artists of The Day, which spotlights superstars sharing a glimpse into their careers. McBride will share a retrospective of her career over the last 25 years, and 14-time CMA Award winner Paisley will reflect on the 50th Anniversary of the CMA Awards and his nine-year consecutive stint as co-host.

Among the action inside Fan Fair X this year will be 130 exhibitor booths, the Radio Disney Country Stage, (which will host dozens of artists including Luke Combs, Jacob Davis, Seth Ennis, Hunter Hayes, High Valley, Levon, LOCASH, Scotty McCreery, RaeLynn, and more), a CMA celebrity auction of memorabilia, the CMA Close Up stage, (featuring Deana Carter, a CMA Fest Family Feud: Country Stars vs. Reality Stars, the Song Suffragettes featuring Jessie James Decker, Eric Paslay, Charley Pride, and many more), and an ultimate fan experiences drawing.

More than 80 artists are also scheduled to appear in the CMA booth this year, including  Lauren Alaina, Kristian Bush, Brandy Clark, Chris Janson, Jana Kramer,Maddie & Tae, McCreery, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Kellie Pickler, Thompson Square, and more.

“For 46 years, our guests have traveled to Nashville from near and far to meet their favorite artists,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “What happens inside Fan Fair X is one of a kind and we thank our partners like Xfinity, Radio Disney Country, and Durango for helping us create meaningful moments fans will never forget.”

IBMA World Of Bluegrass Wide Open Stage Lineup Announced

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The first round of performers has been announced for the Wide Open Main Stage at the IBMA’s World Of Bluegrass 2017 event. The two-part weekend festival takes place Sept. 26-30 in Raleigh, N.C. during the five-day World of Bluegrass event.

Scheduled to perform at Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater on the ticketed Wide Open Main Stage Sept. 29-30 are The Infamous Stringdusters, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Hot Rize, The Travelin’ McCourys, The O’Connor Band featuring Mark O’Connor, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Balsam Range, Lonesome River Band (celebrating their 35th anniversary as a band), Sierra Hull, Sister Sadie, Flatt Lonesome, and the 50th Anniversary of Japanese band Bluegrass 45, featuring the band’s original lineup.

Additional performers for the event will be announced in July.

“Working with our terrific Raleigh partners, we have another exciting Wide Open Bluegrass planned,” said Paul Schiminger, Executive Director of IBMA. ”It is a special experience like no other in the world for our bluegrass community. We are thrilled with the stellar lineup announced today for the Main Stage at the Red Hat Amphitheater. Don’t wait to buy your tickets because, as incredible as it might sound, we still have more amazing artists to be announced! Wide Open Main Stage truly is the jewel of the festival.”

 Wide Open Bluegrass is the principal fundraiser for the Bluegrass Trust Fund, which provides direct financial assistance to bluegrass artists and other industry professionals in times of emergency need.

Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa Destination Event Returns

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Four-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan, along with CID Presents, announces the fourth-annual Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa, an all-inclusive concert vacation set for Jan. 17-20, 2018 in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The Caribbean beach vacation, which has sold out for the past three years, features Bryan headlining two of the four nightly concerts, with additional performers to be announced soon.

“Kicking the year off on the beach with an amazing backdrop, good ol’ country music and watching the fans have the time of their life…yes I’m in!” said Bryan.

“We are thrilled to announce our fourth year at Crash My Playa. As many of the Playa Crashers already know, it’s going to be an amazing time filled with great music, a beautiful site, and passionate, fun-loving country music fans,” said Dan Berkowitz of CID Presents. “We look forward to welcoming back returning guests, and are excited to meet those joining us for the first time.”

Fans can stay at the event’s host resort, the Barceló Maya, or opt for one of several all-inclusive tropical resorts with daily onsite activities, offsite adventures like deep sea fishing, zip-lining, and ATV tours, excursions including day trips to Tulum, official Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa merchandise packages, and more.

Citi is the official card of Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa. Citi cardmembers will have access to all-inclusive packages via a special pre sale through Citi’s Private Pass Program beginning Tuesday, May 23 at 1pm EST. For complete Citi pre-sale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com. Members of Luke’s fan club, Luke’s fan app and previous Crash My Playa guests will have access to pre sale packages on Tuesday May 23 at 1pm EST. The public on sale will be Wednesday, May 24 at 1pm EST.

Gerry House Returning To Nashville Radio

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Gerry House is set to return to Nashville radio. The legendary radio personality will sign on at Nashville’s The BIG Legend 98.3 beginning May 26 at 7 a.m. He will be joined by Mike Bohan.

House is a CMA and ACM award-winning American radio personality, and the voice of The BIG 98’s Gerry House and the House Foundation from 1983-2010 winning countless National Personality of the Year Honors. Gerry is also an accomplished author and songwriter, having penned songs for George Strait, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, Pam Tillis and more. House was inducted into the NAB Radio Hall of Fame in the spring of 2011.

Gerry House was first heard on WSIX-AM in the ’70s.

CRB To Honor Mike Dungan With President’s Award, Martina McBride With Career Achievement Award

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Martina McBride

The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. have announced Martina McBride as the recipient of the 2017 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award, and Mike Dungan as the recipient of the 2017 President’s Award. Both awards will be presented during the Country Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards ceremony, which will be held on Wednesday, June 21st at 6 p.m. at the Marriott Nashville (Vanderbilt, 2555 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tenn.).

The CRB Artist Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual artist or act that, through their creativity, vision, performance or leadership has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country music and country radio. Powerhouse vocalist Martina McBride has earned six No. 1 hits and 20 Top 10 singles in her career. She has sold more than 18 million albums to date and earned 14 gold, nine platinum, and three double-platinum and two triple-platinum certifications. She has been honored four times by the CMA and three times by the ACM. 2017 marks her 25th year of touring and honors the 25th anniversary of her debut album The Time Has Come.

The President’s Award honors an individual who has made significant contributions to the marketing, production, growth and development of the Country Radio Seminar and the services that the CRB provides to country radio and music communities.

Mike Dungan

Dungan is Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville, leading the label group that operates four label imprints – Capitol Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, Mercury Nashville, and MCA Nashville; that label group is now home to 35 artists, including Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Sam Hunt, Chris Stapleton, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley, George Strait, Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, Darius Rucker, Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Gary Allan, and Vince Gill. A longtime Country Radio Broadcasters board member, Dungan serves on the organization’s Executive Committee, and is only the third active board member to receive the President’s Award in the 20-year history of the honor.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame event will also honor the “Class of 2017” radio inductees that were announced during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2017. Six radio personalities and three off-air broadcasters will be honored, and include Tim Closson, Charlie Ochs, Mel Owens in the radio category and Joe Wade Formicola, Linda Lee, Jim Mantel, and The Good Morning Guys (KUAD/Ft. Collins, CO) in the on-air category.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame was founded in 1974 and is dedicated to the recognition of those individuals who have made significant contributions to the radio industry over a 20-year period, 15 of which must be in the Country format.

CMA Offers Insights On International Research, Digital Marketing During Music Biz 2017

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Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association and pictured far right, joins a panel at the 2017 Music Biz Conference on Tuesday, May 16 at Renaissance Nashville hotel on “Music’s Leading Ladies Speak Out powered by Nielsen Music.” Pictured (L-R): Leslie Fram, Sr. VP of Music Strategy and Talent, CMT; Tracy Gershon, Red Light Management/Independent A&R Consultant; Jessica Sobhraj, CEO/President, Cosynd/Women In Music; and Trahern.

Country Music Association (CMA) executives shared key insights during several Music Biz 2017 panels and presentations this week in Nashville (May 14-18).

On Tuesday, CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern was a featured panelist on “Changing the Conversation: The Power of Women & Mentoring In Today’s Music Business” following a keynote address by CMA Award winner Kelly Clarkson.

Damon Whiteside, Chief Marketing Officer for the Country Music Association, speaks at the 2017 Music Biz Conference on Wednesday, May 17 at Renaissance Nashville hotel on “CMA Welcome & Forever Country: Multi-Artist, Multi-Label, Multi-Generational.” Not pictured are Karen Stump, Sr. Director of Consumer Insights at CMA and Annie Ortmeier, Sr. Director of Streaming & Digital Marketing for Universal Music Group Nashville.

CMA Chief Marketing Officer Damon Whiteside welcomed attendees during a CMA-sponsored breakfast Wednesday morning where industry awards were presented to Terry Currier and CMA Board member Mike Dungan, and CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town performed.

Whiteside later discussed CMA international research and the success of “Forever Country” in the “Country Music’s Gone Global” panel, joined by CMA Senior Director of Market Research Karen Stump and UMG Nashville Senior Director of Streaming and Digital Marketing Annie Ortmeier.

Also on Wednesday, CMA Director of Digital Strategy Meryl Johnson was a featured speaker in “Using Digital Firsts to Attract Big Brand $$$,” a panel highlighting how to utilize digital platforms to generate revenue and partnerships.

Meryl Johnson, Director of Digital Strategy at the Country Music Association, speaks at the 2017 Music Biz Conference on Wednesday, May 17 at Renaissance Nashville hotel on a panel titled “Using Digital Firsts To Attract Big Brand $$$.”

Primary Wave Opens Nashville Office

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Geddes Bootwright, longtime manager for legendary Stax Records guitarist, producer and songwriter Steve Cropper, has joined Primary Wave to lead its Nashville division.

Primary Wave will announce its new Nashville office location and several additional signings in coming weeks.

Bootwright previously worked in real estate in Nashville’s Leiper’s Fork area where he worked with numerous musicians, before meeting Steve Cropper and later becoming Cropper’s manager.

Primary Wave first partnered with Cropper in 2016 for ownership of his music publishing catalog. “A lot of his songs were going to be reverting, and he didn’t want to be a publishing company,” Bootwright explains of first working with Primary Wave.

Founded in 2006 Primary Wave Music Publishing is one of the largest independent music companies in the U.S., along with its sister company Primary Wave Entertainment, which creates marketing and branding strategies through six in-house operating divisions, including Music Publishing, Talent Management, Recorded Music, Television/Film Development, Brand Marketing and Digital Marketing to cross promote its artists and brand relationships.

In 2014, Primary Wave expanded into the film and TV realm by acquiring talent management company Evolution, which produced more than 40 films, including Can’t Buy Me Love, The Sandlot, John Q and the entire SAW franchise, as well as executive produced the TV series “Two And A Half Men” and 100 episodes of “Anger Management.” In 2015 Primary Wave Entertainment merged with Intellectual Artists Management.

Primary Wave’s current roster includes artists and talent such as Cee Lo Green, Eric Benét, and more, with catalogs from Cropper, Smokey Robinson, Melissa Etheridge, Def Leppard, and more.